Category: Workplace Wellness

image of 5 dark flat rocks stacked on top of each other with leaves in the background. "Fostering Wellness in the Library Workplace" "Coming late 2020/early 2021 from ALA editions"
Books - Read This!, Chit Chat, Facebook, Time Management, Workplace Wellness

Stepping Back from Social Media To Take Time to Write and Reduce Stress

Like all of us, my world was thrown into chaos in March when libraries began measures to slow the spread of COVID-19. March 12th was the last day I was “in the office.” I have a chronic cough, which was (understandably), making people nervous, and I could work from home, so I started before the university’s official shut down. I had four trips scheduled in … Continue reading Stepping Back from Social Media To Take Time to Write and Reduce Stress

Bobbi NewmanLeave a comment
photo of a desktop computer on a white desk with multiple plants
Books - Read This!, Libraries and Health, Workplace Wellness

“Fostering Wellness in the Workplace” – Book Coming Soonish

I am excited to announce that I have signed a contract with ALA Editions for a book tentatively titled “Fostering Wellness in the Workplace.” This book will be an expansion of the very popular class I developed and teach at NNLM. I am particularly excited that Twanna Hodge, Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Librarian at the University of Florida will be writing Chapter 5. Chapter 5 … Continue reading “Fostering Wellness in the Workplace” – Book Coming Soonish

Bobbi Newman1 Comment
Best Practices, Customer Service, Libraries, Libraries and Health, Patron Services, Workplace Wellness, Worst Practices

Why Curbside Pick Up at Your Library Isn’t Safe

Libraries are essential. Libraries are a cornerstone of community health and wellness, whether that community is the general public, a school, or a campus. We want to help. That’s our jam. It’s what we do. We help. Right now, the most important thing any library can do to help is to flatten the curve. There are now only two groups of Americans. Group A includes … Continue reading Why Curbside Pick Up at Your Library Isn’t Safe

Bobbi Newman3 Comments
screenshot of the map of closed libraries across Canada, USA, and Mexico
Libraries, Libraries and Health, Workplace Wellness

Library Closures for COVID-19

At this point, your library should be closed. The American Library Association, The Association of College and Research Libraries, and the Association of Rural and Small Libraries have all issued statements.  Some of us are working from home. Some of us are just home. Staff should not be required to report to work to get paid.  All of us should be getting paid. You should not … Continue reading Library Closures for COVID-19

Bobbi Newman
photo of a shelf over a desk. The desk has a laptop connected to second monitor. The shelf holds two plants and a small storage box.
Libraries, Libraries and Health, Workplace Wellness

Advice for Those at Home, Working and Otherwise

At this point, your library should be closed. Some of us are working from home. Some of us are just home. Staff should not be required to report to work to get paid. All of us should be getting paid. General advice Keep a regular schedule. Get up and get ready every day. This provides some order and calm into your day. There is some … Continue reading Advice for Those at Home, Working and Otherwise

Bobbi Newman2 Comments
bottle of Purell hand sanitizer
Workplace Wellness

Some Questions to Ask as Libraries Decide Whether to Stay Open or to Close

Update 3/26/2020 – Your library should be closed. The American Library Association, The Association of College and Research Libraries, and the Association of Rural and Small Libraries have all issued statements. Some of us are working from home. Some of us are just home. Staff should not be required to report to work to get paid.  You should not be offering curbside picked up or any other similar … Continue reading Some Questions to Ask as Libraries Decide Whether to Stay Open or to Close

Bobbi Newman1 Comment
Libraries, Workplace Wellness

Mindfulness Presentation at ALA MidWinter 2020 #ALAmw20 #health4libs

On Sunday I hosted a session on Mindfulness at ALA MidWinter for the ALA Allied Professional Association. This was an interactive session with the audience who shared their practices and recommendations. Many great resources were shared beyond what is included in my slides and the session was not recorded so hopefully, some will share their recommendations in the comments. For what is worth here is … Continue reading Mindfulness Presentation at ALA MidWinter 2020 #ALAmw20 #health4libs

Bobbi Newman3 Comments