Communication and interpersonal skills

Format: Online

Fee: $75 for those in the California library community and Infopeople Partners, $150 for all others.

Fee: $75 for those in the California library community & Infopeople partners and $150 for those out-of-state, no fee for qualifying California rural libraries.

(An Infopeople Online Learning Course)
May 5, 2009 - June 8, 2009

It's 3:30 in the afternoon and your library is filled with teenagers, some using computers, some doing homework at tables, some just socializing. How do you view this adolescent activity in your library?

Have you ever wondered why some people are able to get their ideas taken seriously, even if they are not in positions of power? What does it take to become visible and gain your leaders' acceptance and respect? And how do you disagree with leaders without putting the brakes on your career?

Whether you work in the largest library systems or in the smallest library, this workshop is for you want to:

What factors make certain conversations in the library "difficult"? For some it might be that a specific topic is uncomfortable. For others, it may be that certain circumstances make us feel awkward. Often, we know that if the conversation is handled badly, it will result in serious repercussions. In some instances speaking up (or down) "the chain of command" is stressful. For many, it often comes down to personality and style. Some people really are difficult to talk to in any situation.

• Have you been considering "Moving into Management"?
• How do you know if you are ready?
• What problems do new managers encounter and how do you deal with them?

A significant trend in today's library environment is the imminent retirement of library baby boomer managers. More and more openings will be occurring in all types of libraries. There are opportunities for advancement in all types of libraries and for library support staff as well as librarians with master's degrees.

Modern libraries serve a far broader mix of people and personalities then almost any other public service organization. And by far, the majority of library patrons are pleasant, cooperative, and appreciative of our services.

A certain percentage, however, range from difficult, to demanding, to angry, to irrational, to downright scary. These patrons require special attention, special skills, and special strategies if we are to interact with them effectively and make our libraries safe and sane places for us to work in, and feel good about.

Not everyone is a "natural" when it comes to public speaking. And library work has expanded to include many types of information delivery - including oral presentations to large and small groups.