Getting the Word Out: Event Planning As An Opportunity For Team Building

Mary DiRisio, Director of Library Services at Fayetteville Technical Community College

Join Mary DiRisio and learn how to increase participation in library events by applying communication techniques. In this session, we'll explore the art of orchestrating successful events that not only captivate your audience but also unite your team in a shared mission.

Mary will share insights from her highly successful library anniversary event and help you to scope an event, determine audiences and maximize stakeholder participation as you interact with other workshop participants. Uncover the secrets of transforming routine tasks into team-building triumphs, as we delve into practical strategies for delegation, communication flow, and mutual support. By the end of this session, you'll be equipped with the tools to turn your library events into not only memorable experiences for patrons but also transformative moments that strengthen the unity and effectiveness of your library team.

Let's Begin by Listening: Improving Workplace Culture through Climate Conversations 

Kim Looby, Instruction & Information Literacy Librarian at UNC-Charlotte

Becky Croxton, Head of Strategic Analytics & Special Projects at UNC-Charlotte

Tracie Krumbine, Patron Services Manager at UNC-Charlotte

“Change happens by listening and then starting a dialogue with the people who are doing something you don’t believe is right” - Jane Goodall. 

In this interactive workshop, join session facilitators to learn how to structure and facilitate Climate Conversations for your workplace. Since the Fall of 2020, the Library Workplace Climate Committee at UNC Charlotte's J. Murrey Atkins Library has hosted regularly scheduled employee Climate Conversations. The Conversations, which are designed to both foster community and uncover issues that may need to be addressed by the library, provide an opportunity for employees to share perspectives, concerns, and challenges in an emotionally and professionally safe, non-threatening manner related to the library's workplace climate. These highly attended Conversations have proven to be an effective outlet that allows employees to feel seen, heard, and acknowledged while bringing about positive change in the library.

Starting Strong, Staying Strong: Effective Communication through Onboarding and Stay Interviews

Garrison Libby, Head of Research Services at UNC-Charlotte

Effective communication with employees should start from the moment they accept a job, and should continue throughout their time at the library. This first part of this workshop will focus on communication during the onboarding process as an employee starts. Specific tips will be provided on helping an employee acclimate and build connections with their new colleagues across the library. Then, the second part of the session will focus on supporting current staff through stay interviews. Stay interviews are a way to talk with employees about their experiences on the job and how they would like to grow in the future. Participants will leave with concrete ideas and examples to incorporate at their library.