Library Careers

CW: Discussions of Transphobia, Homophobia, Hate Speech, Suicide, Violence

As LBTQA+ identities become more widely acknowledged and accepted, it is critical that libraries ensure that their hiring processes are kept up to date and as inclusive as possible. This presentation is designed to assist potential hiring committees in developing best practices to ensure that these identities are not only respected, but that their presence does not negatively prejudice the committee against the potential recruit. It will primarily address transgender identities, but is broadly applicable to many others in the LBTQA+ community. By the conclusion of the presentation, you will have a versatile toolkit to ensure your library’s positions are truly open to all who apply.

In a time when workloads have never seemed heavier and resources more scarce, many of us feel overworked, under-appreciated, and frustrated. One approach in achieving better work-life balance is becoming empowered through knowledge about the policies, collective agreements, and processes that shape our work. In this hands-on workshop, attendees will have the opportunity to explore the scope of their rights in their workplaces as members (or prospective members) of collective bargaining agents (unions). To gain a deeper, practical understanding of their own workplace context, participants are encouraged to bring a print or digital copy of their own union’s collective agreement. Possible topics to explore include: free speech in the workplace and beyond; code of conduct policies; workload and overtime; access to professional development; performance reviews; job descriptions; and discipline and termination.