Setting Boundaries with Patrons

To register for this webinar please follow this link: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/2717112273605/WN_cSzX4vKnRhSK0v8A7i2Tig. 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.

Boundaries and limit setting for patrons at public libraries can prevent library workers from feeling drained at the end of a workday. When healthy boundaries are set, it helps us manage our own frustration or anger instead of feeling as if there is a loss of control.

This session will teach participants not only how to identify when patrons blur the lines of professional and personal boundaries in the library, but how to work through the common boundaries issues that are faced when dealing with the public.

As a result of this program, attendees will:

• Define and understand the importance of boundaries and limit-setting
• Learn how to identify and understand most common situations when patrons blur professional and personal boundaries
• Gain practical tools to set limits and to deal with patrons who cross the boundary lines when visiting libraries
• Learn de-escalation techniques when dealing with difficult patrons
• Learn new techniques to take care of themselves during and after these uncomfortable encounters

Instructor: Nicole T. Bryan is the Branch Manager of the Macon Library at Brooklyn Public Library. She spent some of her career within the social services arena, developing programs and meeting constituents’ needs. Currently, she assesses the delivery of library services to diverse populations in public library branches and homeless shelters in Brooklyn, N.Y.

Nicole was just awarded the 2023 Woman of Distinctions award from the 56th District Assemblymember. Nicole received her MLS degree from Long Island University and has been working in the library field for over 20 years.

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.