Overview

Full Product Details

Author:   Christine D. Feldmann (Anne Arundel County Public Library, USA) ,  Catherine E. Hollerbach (Anne Arundel County Public Library, USA)
Publisher:   Bloomsbury Publishing Plc
Imprint:   Libraries Unlimited Inc
Dimensions:   Width: 15.60cm , Height: 2.50cm , Length: 23.50cm
Weight:   0.454kg
ISBN:  

9798216194668

Pages:   192
Publication Date:   19 February 2026
Audience:   Professional and scholarly ,  Professional & Vocational
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Forthcoming
Availability:   Not yet available  
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Table of Contents

1. Do I Really Need This? a. Why is this approach important, in general and for public libraries specifically b. Research on impact of cultures of trust for employee/community satisfaction 2. What Does It Mean to Have a Culture at Work? a. What does a culture of trust look like? b. How does leading with compassion result in a culture of trust? 3. What Is Your Current Culture? a. Who are you now; how did you get there? b. Who do you want to be and why? 4. Your Community Is Not a Monolith a. Awareness of the needs of each section of the community b. Responsive to challenges specific to the population and demographics c. Size of branch 5. Strategies to Build Trust for Internal Audiences a. How to build a team committed to creating a culture of trust b. Clear policies (flexible scheduling, coaching & mentoring, extended probation & second chances) c. Communication d. Training e. How to work with older staff and new (often younger) staff f. What to do when things go wrong 6. Strategies to Build Trust with External Audiences a. Customers- being welcoming and expecting positive results i. Code of Conduct ii. Trauma informed services iii. Self-check machines and no security on library b. Partners i. Working with those who align with your values 1. DSS – social workers; housing resource workers, navigators 2. Homeless shelters 3. School system c. Building trust with your Boards through communication d. Funders e. Elected officials f. Nay-sayers and complainers 7. Unique Tools to Build Trust with Staff and Community a. Social Media i. Who does your social media? Do you interact with customers? ii. Give staff freedom to be creative but have policies to prevent problems iii. Input from all levels of staff; process for submission from staff at large iv. Include personal stories (with permission) so customers feel part of the library b. Protecting Intellectual Freedom i. Book bans (State Librarian - Morgan Miller) and Freedom to Read (State Delegate Dana Jones) ii. Book Sanctuaries – Examples – NJ, Kentucky (Hoboken CEO Jennie Pu) c. Working Toward Equity i. Intentionally focus on being inclusive ii. Push back on “we’ve always done it this way” and introduce new ways to serve customers iii. Equity vs. Equality iv. Library Equity and Diversity Team (Bess Langbein – Due East Partners) d. Public Health Initiative i. Safe sex kits and Narcan ii. Gun locks iii. Other library examples e. Innovative Programming based on ideas from the community and staff i. Create a safe space for innovative programs 1. Drag Queen storytimes 2. Expungement clinics ii. Align with partners for support; iii. Culture of innovation may face resistance, but also bring in new community members who now feel part of the library iv. Create trust with the Board to resist challenges 8. Special Considerations: Welcoming Neurodiverse Customers and Staff a. Listen to their needs b. Create a space for neurodiversity c. Partner with groups that support neurodiverse customers d. Affinity group 9. Union/Staff Association Considerations a. How do we continue the culture of trust with a union? b. Being transparent c. What happens to the Staff Association? d. Share our transition 10. Conclusion a. How to get started b. Rewarding for community and staff c. Next steps: Where do we go from here?

Reviews

Both Christine Feldmann and Cathy Hollerbach, are part of an executive team leading 460 amazing library staff. In the book, Feldmann and Hollerbach have illuminated the many ways we all work hard to build and sustain a positive workplace culture. Building trust isn’t always easy, but it’s absolutely critical in building a library system that’s loved by the community. --  Skip Auld * Chief Executive Officer, Anne Arundel County Public Library * This book is an essential guide for any library leader or staff member striving to create a culture of trust, belonging, and teamwork within their organization. It offers practical strategies for strengthening relationships inside the library and with the communities to be served. In a time when libraries are called to be both anchors and innovators, this book shows us how to lead with purpose while building bridges between community and staff. -- Michelle H. Hamiel * Chief of Programs, Urban Libraries Council *

Author Information

Catherine E. Hollerbach is Chief Operating Officer, Anne Arundel County Public Library, USA. Christine D. Feldmann is Director of Marketing and Communications, Anne Arundel County Public Library, USA.

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