Trauma in the Library

Trauma-informed care for library patrons is a growing movement, however, what about workplace trauma experienced by library staff? Our session uses the Fishbowl technique to share survey+interview insights and gather diverse further evidence for our IMLS-funded study “Trauma in the Library: Symptoms of PTSD Among Staff and Methods for Ensuring Trauma-Informed Care.” The project goals are: 1) to identify the types of post-traumatic symptoms experienced by library staff in diverse library settings where violence and other trauma has occurred; 2) to conduct a national online survey, interviews and fish bowls to ascertain the extent of workplace-related PTSD symptoms on staff and their awareness of existing resource help; 3) to identify trauma-informed care tools, policy and procedures that libraries can implement; and 4) create trauma-informed care for library staff curricula for teaching in MLIS programs. The outcomes include the first comprehensive baseline study of library workplace-related PTSD symptoms, tools for supporting library staff who experience those symptoms, and curricular materials for sharing across LIS schools and professional associations. Cognizant that some fishbowl discussion may be triggering for participants, the conveners include a trauma specialist (Masters of Social Work) and participants will be provided with help resources.