Policies of Yes: Empowering Staff and Community

To register for this webinar please follow this link: https://speakerpreneur.zoom.us/webinar/register/2116791706724/WN_uXcMhGXLQCaJcsVJXbhc7g. 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.

What are Policies of Yes and how might they help libraries better serve all of our user groups and reach our underserved populations? Learn what it means to think about policies in a way that creates flexibility, empathy, and allyship with those we serve. By providing staff training and offering decision-making power, we build the foundation for a positive work culture and a sense of belonging among staff and patrons alike.

Attendees will follow North Liberty Library’s journey toward shifting policies and procedures beyond equity and diversity to active inclusivity – a shift that moves us to yes.

From the information shared in this program, attendees will:

• Gain insights and strategies for applying a lens of inclusivity to all areas of library operations
• Learn effective methods for building staff awareness of policies and inspiring a model for dynamic customer service
• Get an overview of broader services and strategic planning borne from Policies of Yes

Instructor: Jennie Garner (she/her) is the library director at the North Liberty Library (IA) where she has served in a variety of roles for more than 25 years. A firm believer in staff development and engagement, she makes it her practice to involve all levels of staff in organizational planning and decision-making as well as encouraging staff to take active roles in the community. Her professional interests include leadership, advocacy, policy development, and removing barriers to access.

Jennie is also the 2023 President of the Association for Rural & Small Libraries (ARSL) as well as serving on the Iowa Library Association (ILA) Executive Board.

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.