Strengthening Library Teams: Safety & Resilience
Practical Tips for Branch Library Managers
In today’s library landscape, supporting staff through emerging psychosocial safety risks is more important than ever. As Library Managers, we’re not just overseeing collections and programs — we’re leading teams through change, stress, and the daily challenges that can impact wellbeing and performance.
Why Psychosocial Safety Matters in Libraries
Libraries are dynamic spaces, serving diverse communities and navigating constant change. This environment can create stressors for staff: from difficult customer interactions to adapting to new technologies or responsibilities. As leaders, it’s our role to foster a culture where staff feel safe, supported, and resilient in the face of these challenges.
The Power of Regular Check-Ins
Consistent, meaningful check-ins are the foundation of a resilient team. These can take the form of daily stand-up meetings to prep for the day ahead, as well as one-on-one conversations — especially with those staff taking on new tasks or developing new skills.
Key Questions for Daily Team Check-Ins
- Celebrate Success: Start on a positive note. Ask, “What went well yesterday?” or “Is there a success we can celebrate?” Encourage staff to share highlights, no matter how small.
- Understand Today’s Challenges: “Are there any challenges on the horizon today?” or “Are we short-staffed at any point?” Use this time to identify where support or roster adjustments may be needed.
- Offer Support: “What can I do today to support the team?” This could mean leading an event, handling a tricky customer, or running a safety drill to boost confidence.
- Identify Broader Stress Factors: “How are we feeling today?” If the mood is consistently low, tired, or disengaged, it’s a signal to explore and address deeper issues.
Coaching Conversations: Building Trust and Growth
Effective coaching language can transform your staff interactions. Here are some prompts to guide these conversations:
- Anticipate Challenges: “What challenges do you anticipate with this project, and how can we prepare?” Normalize that challenges are part of the process.
- Feedback Preferences: “How do you prefer to receive feedback, and how can I best support your growth?” Show openness and a commitment to development.
- Energy Check: “Which parts of your job drain you, and which energize you?” Aim to balance tasks to maximize engagement and motivation.
- Manager Support: “How can I help you be successful?” Discuss skill development, workload, and support needs openly.
- Explore Options: “What frustrates you about the way your job or our work systems are designed?” Additional question from Leanne Hart
Co-Designing Solutions: Empowering Your Team
Involving staff in problem-solving builds ownership and resilience. Try these approaches:
- Explore Options: “What other options exist?” Encourage staff to actively contribute solutions, not just rely on management.
- Team Support: “How can we support each other as a team?” Foster a culture of mutual aid.
- Quality Improvement: “What went well? What could we do differently? How can we be more effective?” Use these questions for continuous improvement.
- Access to Resources: “What skills, resources, or equipment could help us address our challenges?” Identify and fill gaps together.
Final Thoughts
Building psychosocial safety and resilience isn’t a one-off project — it’s an ongoing commitment. By embedding regular check-ins, coaching conversations, and collaborative problem-solving into your library’s culture, you’ll not only address emerging risks but also create a thriving, supportive environment where your team can do their best work.
Let’s continue to champion our teams, celebrate their successes, and navigate challenges together — one conversation at a time.
This blog post was enhanced using Perplexity for formatting and headings
