Prairielands Library Exchange Presents: The First Friday in February
Online Conference: Register here!
When: Friday February 3, 2023
Who: School, Public, Special and Academic Libraries
How: Zoom – Attend any or all sessions
Cost: Free
When it Happens to You:
Coping with Resource Complaints and Challenges
Session #1
9:00 am – 10:00 am
De-escalation Techniques: Managing an Intense Interaction
Across the United States, there are increased reports of book challenges from community members, which have led to very public and heated discussions. These encounters can be angry, threatening and concerning for all involved. We can prepare for similar local challenges by learning techniques that can deescalate confrontations.
Session #2
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Breathe. Stay Calm: Responding to Book Challenges in Your Library
Book challenges and censorship are in the news. Are you ready to face a book challenge in your library? Our panel speakers will describe the process they followed to prepare themselves for future challenges after facing an unprecedented increase in complaints. Challenges are often alarming and ugly, but this team has found that a plan of action helps them to breathe and stay calm.
Session #3
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Challenges and Crises: Preparing Your Board of Trustees
What training and preparation does your Board of Trustees need to be prepared for a crisis? Do your policies properly address intellectual freedom issues? How do you handle it when a board member speaks against a board decision? What happens when a board member’s values clash with a board decision? Learn how to be proactive in developing a well-prepared board, and which best practices, policies, and procedures need to be developed or revisited. This panel of experts includes a library director and a member of that library’s Board of Trustees.