Setting Boundaries with Patrons

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.

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

Presenter: 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 is the recipient of the 2021 Whole Health Hero Award for her work in providing services to the community during COVID-19 and the 2022 Library Journal’s Movers and Shakers Award for her work as a community builder in the library field. She was also 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.

The recording and handouts will be available on Niche Academy after the live event as well as our library of over 700 recorded sessions. To access Niche, go to: https://my.nicheacademy.com/floridalibrarywebinars

Register here via Zoom for the live event or through the link below.