[OPLINLIST] morale

[Therese Feicht]

This was sent to me by an employee and I opened it right after reading your
message...brings another perspective to this issue:

Subject: NYTimes.com: Downturn Puts New Stresses on Libraries
Date: Thu, 02 Apr 2009 14:12:56 +0000

     [image: The New York Times] <http://www.nytimes.com/> [image: E-mail
This]
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*US *  | April 02, 2009
*Downturn Puts New Stresses on Libraries
<http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/02/us/02library.html?emc=eta1>*
By SUSAN SAULNY and KAREN ANN CULLOTTA
Anxious, depressed patrons who have nowhere else to go are turning some
libraries into emotional hotbeds.

2009/4/2 Teri Silver <tsilver at delawarelibrary.org>

> Just keep smiling. Engage people in conversations and don't afraid to be
> silly. You can't change the issues or the tragedies people face in their
> lives but you can interact with them to show them that someone... even if it
> is a "stranger"... cares about how they're feeling this one particular day.
> Make them laugh, show them your "human" sides (funny how people think
> librarians don't have that!) Show them your sense of humor and that we're
> all in the same boat. If they're your "regulars," ask about their children,
> their grandchildren; nothing helps as much as getting people to talk about
> themselves.  Find out what they like and suggest some books or movies.
>
> You can't change what you can't change. But you can offer the one thing we
> all have the ability to give; a smile and a willing ear. It works. To quote
> one of my favorite Bruce Springsteen songs, "give a little of that Human
> Touch."
>
> Teri
>
>
>
> Teri Silver
> Public Relations Specialist
> Delaware County District Library
> (740) 362-3861
> tsilver at delawarelibrary.org
>
> On 4/2/09, Rachelle Miller <rmiller at tmcpl.org> wrote:
>
>>  In these difficult times, we are seeing an increase in the number of
>> people in foul moods who are using the library. It’s very stressful for the
>> staff, in addition to the stresses the public have and are bringing with
>> them when they come through our doors. I’d really appreciate some examples
>> of ways to increase morale and lift spirits. Obviously we don’t have the
>> money to spend on gift certificates and things like that, so suggestions on
>> cheap and free ways to boost the morale of the staff and public would be
>> appreciated!
>>
>> Thanks in advance!
>>
>>
>>
>> Rachelle Miller
>>
>> Director
>>
>> *Troy-Miami** County** Public Library*
>>
>> 419 W. Main St.
>>
>> Troy, Ohio 45373
>>
>> 937.339.0502 ext. 16
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
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>>
>
>
> --
>
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>


-- 
Therese Feicht
Assistant Director
Geauga County Public Library
Administrative Center
12701 Ravenwood Dr.
Chardon, Ohio 44024
440-286-6811 ext. 102
440-286-7419 - fax
therese.feicht at geaugalibrary.info
www.geaugalibrary.org
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