Strategies dealing with diverse personalities and workplace conflicts: Tips for Access Services Supe

Abstract

Conflicts happen in any workplace, and library departments are not immune to these challenges. Managing staff conflicts in Access Services presents common and unique problems, due to the highly dynamic schedules of staff, the need for people with different personalities to efficiently interact in a constrained space, as well as varying levels of experience and work ethic. It is therefore of paramount importance that supervisors manage the interpersonal dynamic effectively, at the same time ensuring the professional growth of individuals. If issues are left unaddressed, conflicts can demoralize staff, contribute to a higher turnover, and create a stressful and toxic environment for the team members. The main focus of this presentation is conflict prevention and resolution. We will discuss our experience and strategies at the UCSB Circulation and Course Reserves unit, including approaches that are geared towards a healthy and professional work environment. We believe they could be effectively implemented in any Access Services department, in order to prevent and effectively manage diverse personalities in this workplace.