Q&A
Training library staff to manage sensitive topics and maintain civil discourse
1:05:39
·
146 sec
Library representatives discuss their approaches to training staff for handling sensitive topics and maintaining civil discourse during public discussions. They emphasize the importance of respect, de-escalation techniques, and setting ground rules for conversations.
- Libraries prioritize freedom of speech while emphasizing respect and civil discourse
- Extensive staff training is provided, especially for addressing sensitive topics and issues
- Libraries use disclaimers and ground rules to set expectations for civil discussions
- Staff are trained to recognize when a conversation has reached its limit and how to conclude it respectfully
Dr. Brandy McNeil
1:05:39
I mean, I think one of the first things I think about is, you know, obviously, we are about freedom speech, but we're also about respect and and at the beginning of all of our programs, especially ones in which we're engaging in that dialogue or that conversation.
1:05:53
That is something that we make sure that people know that this is a place where we want to ensure that that happens, whether someone flies off the handle or not is the whole other thing.
1:06:02
But we go in with that goal in mind.
Scott McLeod
1:06:08
I will I will echo that in terms of leading with respect and, you know, respect and understanding how to deescalate.
1:06:21
Situations is, again, goes back to training.
1:06:25
I I cannot stress enough the amount of training that is done with our staff, especially around sensitive topics and sensitive issues.
1:06:33
And, you know, it seems like That's every day in all issues, but making sure that our staff are equipped on how to address those issues in a respectful and civil it's still called civil discourse with the civil being, you know, I think paramount to it.
1:06:50
So making sure that we have the disclaimers as well.
1:06:55
Mhmm.
1:06:56
And letting people know that this is a topic that may rile people up and it's a self of a sensitive nature.
1:07:04
So you always have sort of that ground rules piece that sort of sets the stage.
1:07:10
And then also knowing when, you know, the discourse in the conversation has sort of reached its apex.
1:07:17
And knowing how to now say, okay.
1:07:19
We've this has gone as far as it can possibly go and still maintain a respectability and a a civil nature and and knowing how to then kind of move out.
1:07:28
So making sure that our staff are are aware of that, making sure that any facilitators that were coming in the outside are aware of that.
1:07:36
Yeah.
1:07:36
I think that's sort of kind of how we look at it as well.
David Carr
1:07:40
Thank you.
1:07:41
Thank you, chair.
Carlina Rivera
1:07:42
Thank you.
1:07:42
No.
1:07:42
It's an important question, and the freedom of speech is important, but also intolerance.
1:07:48
But that hate is not accepted, and it's sometimes difficult space to navigate.
1:07:55
And, also, you wanna ensure that people feel protected, including your own staff.
1:08:00
I wanna add that we've been joined by a council member, Lewis, and council member, you had a question.
