Working in the “Gray Area:” Determining Healthy Boundaries When the Best Choice Isn’t Clear (Colorado Only)
This two-part interactive webinar provides information about healthy boundaries for library staff, and introduces a framework for resolving library-related boundary dilemmas. Participants attending both sessions will have opportunities to submit and discuss real-world boundary-related scenarios for feedback from the presenter and other attendees.
Session One (60 minutes) includes content about personal versus professional boundaries, common library boundary-related challenges for both staff and customers, and cultural considerations related to boundaries. Ways for determining the seriousness of a boundary-related dilemma will be discussed as well as strategies for resolving boundary dilemmas and enforcing boundaries from a trauma-informed perspective.
This two-part interactive webinar provides information about healthy boundaries for library staff, and introduces a framework for resolving library-related boundary dilemmas. Participants attending both sessions will have opportunities to submit and discuss real-world boundary-related scenarios for feedback from the presenter and other attendees.
- This workshop will be held on Zoom, and is limited to 70 participants. Registration is open until filled.
- Participants are required to attend both Session One, and one of the Session Two offerings. (We are offering 2 Session Two webinars to allow for smaller group engagement).
- Session One – January 21, 2025 from 12 – 1 PM MT
- Session Two – Group A – January 28, 2025 from 12 – 1:30 PM
- Session Two Group B – January 30, 2025 from 12-1:30 PM
- The sessions will not be recorded to allow for open dialogue.
Registration is required and will open on December 16, 2024. To register please email Christine Kreger directly at kreger_c@cde.state.co.us and let her know that you are available for Session One and which Session Two you are interested in.
Session One (60 minutes) includes content about personal versus professional boundaries, common library boundary-related challenges for both staff and customers, and cultural considerations related to boundaries. Ways for determining the seriousness of a boundary-related dilemma will be discussed as well as strategies for resolving boundary dilemmas and enforcing boundaries from a trauma-informed perspective.
Session Two (90 minutes) is a highly interactive session that allows participants to apply the content from Session One directly to real-world library-related scenarios. Participants will have the opportunity to submit boundary-related dilemmas in advance to be discussed live during the session. These dilemmas will be submitted anonymously to allow for sensitive situations to be discussed as needed. Registration will be limited to 35 participants. For this session, participants should have a working camera and microphone and be prepared to actively participate.
About the presenter
Dr. Beth Wahler is a researcher, consultant, trainer, and scholar who studies public library staff and patron needs, trauma-informed librarianship, staff experiences of workplace violence and stress, staff readiness for social services in the library, library-based social work practicum placements, and other types of social work-informed public library interventions and collaborations. She works with libraries of all sizes, from small or rural libraries to urban libraries, as well as both individual and large statewide or regional library organizations to understand staff experiences and challenges, patron needs, and strategies for supporting libraries in the valuable services they provide.