Library employees often go the extra mile for patrons and colleagues, providing professional, courteous service in every interaction. Unfortunately, staff sometimes find themselves in situations where the interaction has crossed the line and they may not recognize that it has happened or know what to do when it does. Learn how to identify when an interaction is no longer within the acceptable code of conduct, ideas of how to handle the habitual issue, and explore safety procedures and protocols that can be enacted to keep everyone safe.

Teaching and presenting are good opportunities to create a positive impression for the organization, but limited training and experience can make library staff feel unprepared to make the most of these situations. Having a basic understanding of how to approach library instruction or presenting at a conference is beneficial to both staff and their organizations. This session focuses on building a strong foundation of teaching and presentation skills for library workers new to the subject or those in need of a refresher.

Library values appear in many places - alongside organizational mission and vision statements, in professional associations and collaborative work, and in many policies and procedures that guide day-to-day operations. A broad understanding of library professional values can help put our work in context, while also fortifying our advocacy efforts for when values are scrutinized or even changed. This session will review many of the traditional values associated with libraries while highlighting their uses and importance.