Library Worklife:

Have you ever experienced (or witnessed) a work environment where a manager makes conditions so uncomfortable that you (or someone you know) decides to quit? These conditions might include consistently being denied promotions and raises, despite hard work and accomplishments; being left out of important meetings and decisions; being given an overwhelming workload or unreasonable deadlines; and/or being subjected to discriminatory behavior or language. Rather than dealing with issues head on with constructive feedback and needed resources, some managers deny … Read the rest

Have you ever seen the 1957 movie Desk Set starring Katherine Hepburn, Spenser Tracy, and Gig Young? The film focuses on the reference library of a fictional network, the Federal Broadcasting Network. There is a scene in the movie where someone calls the library and asks for specific information. The person who answered the phone was at the library assisting with the installation of a new computer system. She was not a librarian. She did not listen completely to … Read the rest

Almost every employer, be it a library or otherwise, has statements and policies proclaiming that they are an equal employment opportunity workplace. Employers often add text to their vision, mission, and/or core value statements declaring that equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) is intertwined in all facets of their organization. Many people have become jaded when they hear the words equity, diversity, and inclusion because they have become just another buzz phrase —the current fad— in the workplace. Employers must understand … Read the rest

The pandemic made it clear that people were (and are) struggling with mental health concerns. Efforts to destigmatize mental health issues abound. Celebrities, sports personalities, and others have all spoken up about their battles with mental health. Yet, some people feel that since we have gotten past the critical point of the pandemic —where hospitals are no longer overwhelmed with treating people suffering from the effects of COVID— it’s time to move on. But I say, not so fast. We … Read the rest

Many of us think of the holiday season as a time of love, peace, and joy —when everyone is happy and treats others with kindness. It’s supposed to be the most wonderful time of year. It can be. However, it can also be a time of stress, frustration, misunderstanding, friction, and violence. It is believed that violence increases during the holidays. This might be true for several reasons. People may get less sleep, causing them to be crankier than usual. … Read the rest