Checking-In Instead of Checking-Out: Taking a Mindful and Compassionate Approach to Librarianship

Checking-in Instead Of Checking-out: A Mindful & Compassionate Approach for libraries. By design, libraries are among the most accessible and equitable places in our society as they are open and accessible to all. Libraries are vital parts of our communities, providing an ever-growing variety of services to a diverse cross-section of people on a daily basis. They may be viewed as safe havens for those who wouldn’t otherwise have access to knowledge, technology, and security. Thus, librarians often encounter people experiencing unmet needs for shelter, mental healthcare, and medical attention, including people who are in crisis.

This webinar was designed to provide support to librarians and library staff in responding to mental health crises that they may witness in the course of their work. The presenter discussed skills and resources for learning to manage these challenging situations as a librarian. Supportive skills, tips, and resources for librarians to engage in coping, self-compassion, and mindfulness were provided to support librarians’ unique stressors on the job.