Surviving The Stacks Podcast

Sometimes it’s time to move on from a job, either because the environment is toxic and unhealthy, the job is not a good fit for the person’s interests, skills, or priorities, or just because the person is ready for a change or a new challenge in their career. In this episode, Beth and Jane talk with Alison King, a career coach, job search guide, and former librarian who specializes in what she cal...

As many libraries continue to experience significant behavioral problems from visitors, they are often looking for ways to address these challenges from a trauma-informed approach. In this episode, Beth and Jane talk with Stephen Jackson, a licensed professional counselor, consultant, and trainer who specializes in restorative justice. Stephen has spent years overseeing restorative approaches in l...

As library visitor needs have changed over the years, libraries have found that they often need staff to have different skills and characteristics compared to what they may have needed in the past. If there is a mismatch between someone’s skills and the needs of a particular position, this increases staff stress as well as impacting the customer experience of the library.  In this episode, Beth an...

With libraries struggling for limited resources in many communities around the world, growing politically motivated protests, and some people questioning libraries’ relevance, it is more important than ever to ensure a library’s services and programs meet the needs of the local community. Small and rural libraries, in particular, struggle to survive if not well supported by their community members...

Libraries can’t do their work alone, and many benefit from collaborating with local government partners. In this episode, Beth and Jane interview Leanne Mitchell, a private consultant and previous government worker from Australia who focuses her work on helping local government bodies address issues related to homelessness. She has collaborated with a number of libraries throughout her work, inclu...

Libraries increasingly serve many people who are unhoused, especially since they are often one of the only free, accessible spaces in most communities for people without many resources. However, this population is one with many additional and sometimes complex needs, which can often cause stress for library staff. In this episode, Beth and Jane share strategies used by libraries to effectively eng...

When libraries seek to add innovative programming or services, especially those that aim to serve vulnerable or marginalized populations, it can be difficult to get buy-in from decision-makers and stakeholders; without buy-in and support, these new programs or services can struggle and even fail. In this episode, Beth and Jane interview Tonya Garcia and David Perez from the Long Branch Free Public...

Access This Episode Transcript Beth and Jane discuss the struggle many libraries have for financial resources, and how necessary it is for libraries to know how to measure outcomes and show the impact of their services to help bring in or justify continued or added financial support. They interview Darren Smart, Head of Service for Somerset Libraries in the UK, about the importance of being able t...

⁠Access This Episode Transcript In this episode, Beth and Jane discuss the need for trauma-informed care in libraries, not just for patrons but also for staff. They interview Linde Furman, Branch Manager at Pima County Public Library’s Joel Valdez Main Library, about strategies being used in her library to create and sustain a culture of care, reduce the trauma experienced by staff, and effectivel...

Access This Episode Transcript This episode centers around library worker experiences of burnout, and organizational and workplace factors that often contribute to that burnout. Beth and Jane interview consultant and researcher, Kaetrena Davis Kendrick, about her research on low morale experiences in libraries and discuss strategies staff and managers can use to increase the wellness of everyone w...

Access This Episode Transcript Beth and Jane discuss violence and aggressive behavior happening in libraries and how these behaviors are impacting staff. They also interview Kristy Gardenour about safety and security in libraries. Kristy provides helpful information about security officers and their training, and makes recommendations for ways libraries utilizing security guards can improve their...

Access This Episode Transcript In this episode of Surviving the Stacks, Beth and Jane focus on the stress that occurs when libraries don’t have clear boundaries around their roles or clear expectations for staff. They also interview Noah Lenstra, who talks about how developing intentional collaborations and partnerships with other area organizations can help libraries expand their services and mee...

Access This Episode Transcript Featuring stories and examples from across the globe, this podcast seeks to increase support to library workers and administrators experiencing challenges, bring awareness of the public to common library concerns, improve understanding about the reasons why libraries are seeing these challenges, and share innovative solutions for libraries to consider using in their...