Taking Care of Your Staff (and Yourself)
During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Managers in libraries of all sizes find themselves overwhelmed with challenges from the COVID-19 crisis. How can planning occur when the future is so uncertain?  How do you make good decisions in an environment of constant change? And most importantly, how can you look after the well-being of your staff and patrons when you are struggling to care for yourself? We are all navigating through uncertain times created by the virus outbreak, the shutdown, and the aftermath. MLA Past President and Plaza Library Director April Roy tackles these tough questions and discusses the best strategies to help managers move forward with confidence and optimism.

Here’s some of what you will learn:

• Effective techniques for communicating with staff when plans are constantly changing
• The importance of setting aside time for self-care
• Learning to find the joy in what you do again
• How to give “pep talks” that really make a difference – and what to avoid saying
• How to restore and nurture a positive work environment in the face of daily challenges
• Tips for keeping staff motivated and engaged while working remotely
• How to maintain a team environment while social distancing at work

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Presenter:
April Roy is the Director of the Plaza Branch of the Kansas City Public Library system. She is the past President of the Missouri Library Association, and winner of 2015 I Love My Librarian Award. During her 15 years of public library service, she has served on national committees including chairing the ALA Recruitment Assembly and the Children’s Book Council Committee. She served on the 2012 Caldecott Committee, and has served on the Coretta Scott King Book Award Jury. April never turns down a chance to use a microphone to advocate for libraries and library services. When she is not busy with library work, she enjoys spending time with her daughter and going on road trips.

Register Now!

Early Bird deadline, Friday, October 9
Registration deadline, Tuesday, October 20