The National Institute of Mental Health estimates the prevalence of personality disorders as 9.1% of the adult U.S. population, suggesting that public services staff will likely encounter individuals experiencing some form of personality disorder. Led by a trained librarian and psychologist, this informative session reviews some of the most common personality disorders, such as Borderline Personality Disorder, Narcissistic Personality Disorder, and Antisocial Personality. Attendees learn how to enforce healthy boundaries, manage challenging interactions, and connect patrons with community mental health resources.
- Understanding common personality disorders and how these may present in library users.
- Developing strategies to enforce healthy personal and library-wide boundaries with library users with a personality disorder in ways that are empathetic and equitable.
- Employing strategies to manage challenging interactions with library users with a personality disorder.
- Identifying ways to connect library users with a personality disorder with community mental health resources.
Instructor(s)
Dawn Behrend is the Dean of University Libraries at Lenoir-Rhyne University and a second-career librarian who transitioned into academic librarianship following a long and successful career in mental health. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology, a master’s degree in clinical psychology, a Master of Business Administration, and a Master of Library Science. For over 20 years, she has practiced as a Licensed Psychological Associate in North Carolina, bringing a rich clinical background to her work in libraries. This expertise informs her leadership style, instruction, and advocacy, grounded in a deep understanding of human behavior, wellness, and inclusivity.
As a speaker, trainer, and educator, Dawn provides workshops, courses, and invited talks on mental health and neurodiversity in libraries, as well as self-care for librarians and library leaders. Her interdisciplinary expertise allows her to connect meaningfully with audiences and offer practical, empathetic strategies for supporting both patrons and staff. She currently serves as President of the North Carolina Library Association and is actively involved in the Association of College and Research Libraries, contributing to multiple committees and initiatives. Dawn’s work continues to elevate the profession by championing equity, wellness, and thoughtful, inclusive leadership.