Patron Bashing in Public Libraries: Its Effect on the Professional and the Profession w/Dana Bomba

To register for this webinar please follow this link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/341457050612065040?source=Michigan. Sessions are free and available only to members of the Michigan library community. Registrants will receive instructions and a link to attend the session directly from PCI after they register.

We have all been known to tell stories about our experiences working in the public library. Many of those include stories about patrons, sometimes positive ones, but far too often it’s the negative ones that get us the attention we are looking for when telling a story. While many believe venting helps reduce stress after a difficult interaction with a patron, the research shows the opposite is true.

In this session we will explore types of patron bashing and how it is damaging to the person doing it, their organization, and the profession.

As a result of this program, attendees will learn:

• Several types of patron bashing and its effect on those around you
• Strategies to avoid contributing to patron bashing and how to respond when you witness it
• The qualities expected of service-oriented information professionals

Instructor: Dana Bomba is a Branch Manager with the Chesterfield County Public Library near Richmond, Virginia. Her primary focuses are daily operations, staff development, and outreach initiatives. The area of her job she enjoys the most is staff development as she helps her team realize their full potential in an encouraging and empowering way.

PCI Webinars are recorded and available to members of the Michigan library community in the Library of Michigan's Niche Staff Skills Academy about a week after they air. New webinars will be in the New category for several weeks. You do not need to register for a webinar in order to view it later in the Staff Skills Academy.

This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the Library of Michigan.