Month: January 2020

@TisForTraining 260: You Can’t Fix a Stupid Horse

Wow! What a lively show! On the callwere Chris DeCristofaro, Maurice Coleman, Jill Hurst-Wahl, Andrea Snyder, and Paul Signorelli.  Today’s topic was how do we do micro-training for staff around topics that we might take for granted or that are new for them?  Topics mentioned included:

  • 2020 Census
  • Pronouns
  • Gender identify
  • Gender expression

Types of training mentioned were:

  • Email blasts
  • Dedicate internal website page
  • Webinar sessions (live and recorded)
  • In-person sessions
  • Ad hoc training
  • Cooperative training between libraries and systems
  • One-on-one informal training
  • Rely champions who can lead by example

Yes, we mentioned the need – in specific circumstances – to ensure that the public library director and board of trustees are on-board.

Resources:

  • TRANS 101: Gender Diversity and Transgender Inclusivity in Libraries, Kalani Adolpho (handout)
  • (en)gender
  • Definition: They (Merriam-Webster)

 

Come Fly With Me

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

@TisForTraining 259: Be the Adult in the Room

U.S. Botanic GardenOn the call were Maurice Coleman, Paul Signorelli, and Jill Hurst-Wahl. Our conversation on training trends we’d like to see went immediately to cultural competencies.  What is cultural competence?  According to a quote on the Washington State University website:

A set of congruent behaviors, attitudes, and policies that come together in a system, agency, or among professionals that enables effective work in cross-cultural situations. Competence, in particular, implies having the capacity to function effectively as an individual and an organization within the context of the cultural beliefs, behaviors, and needs presented by [participants] in their communities. (Adapted from Cross, Bazron, Dennis, & Isaacs, 1989).

And from Emporia State:

Cultural competency provides an effective avenue in closing the disparities gap between communities. It’s the way people can come together and talk about concerns without cultural differences hindering the conversation, but enhancing it. Quite simply, programs and services that are respectful of and responsive to the cultural beliefs, practices and norms of diverse individuals can help bring about positive outcomes.

You can listen to the show on your favorite podcast place and through TalkShoe,  The next show is scheduled for Jan. 30 at 9 p.m. ET.

Resources: