Conscious Culture: Concrete Choices That Can Change Your Library Workplace

Conscious culture starts with making decisions and taking concrete action. What is the physical evidence as demonstrated in people’s behavior? What would a “successful” library culture look and sound like?

Is your library’s style formal or informal and what does this mean when strategic choices are made regarding priorities, principles, and policies? How does the environment demonstrate that it welcomes teenagers, seniors, working poor, veterans, homeless, immigrants, people with physical and cognitive challenges, and people who are not part of the mainstream? Is the library child- and family-friendly? Supportive of lifelong learning? How would a stranger know?

Are employee empowerment, creativity, and innovation valued? Are equity, inclusion, and diversity important? How would a visitor know?

Based on a series of case studies, we will explore what are the physical and behavioral details that make up a library workplace’s culture, and specific steps you can take to make your ideal a reality.

Outcomes:

• Design goals and strategies for a new workplace culture.
• Change physical details to move the workplace closer to the new ideal.
• Formalize the new culture in new policies and procedures.

Presenter

Pat Wagner is a trainer and consultant with 40 years of experience working for libraries, universities, local government, non profits, and small businesses. She supports the success of libraries with programs on personnel, supervision, management, leadership, marketing, strategic planning, project management, and communication. Pat has worked with libraries and library organizations throughout the United States, from the smallest rural storefronts to the largest academic and urban library institutions. Pat also is a frequent speaker at state and national conferences. She is known for her good-humored and practical presentations.