Ongoing exposure to workplace harm, unclear communication tactics, and constant organizational change will result in increased feelings of uncertainty and mistrust, and in the absence of clear directives and/or outcomes, we’re more likely to create internal narratives that may protect us in the short term, but that also decrease our ability to identify positive opportunities […]
Book Haul: Shifting Perspective Read More »
I’m so excited to share that for the second year in a row, I’ve been selected to facilitate the Virginia Library Association’s Library Leadership Academy (VALLA)! The intensive and intentional 2.5 day program is scheduled for March 22-25, 2026, and anticipates a cohort of over twenty emerging or developing library leaders from Virginia libraries. Applications
Reserved: 2026 Virginia Library Leadership Academy Read More »
While reviewing data I’ve received during participant interviews for my low-morale experience studies and from respondents to my ongoing data collection projects, I’ve noticed recurring acts that interrupt employee success and engagement. As I categorized them in groups, I eventually placed them under the broad concept of what I call GOTCHA Culture: workplace environments characterized
Employee Success, Interrupted: Recognizing GOTCHA Workplaces, Part 2 Read More »
Last year on Renewals’ Instagram channel, I started a Reels Series titled “Grieving During Low-Morale Experiences.” In the series, I shared 5 short videos discussing various channels/causes of grieving for people facing or recovering from workplace abuse and neglect. Following are the linked videos for your review. Part 1: Grieving the job you thought you’d
Recap: Grieving During Low-Morale Experiences (2024) Read More »
[A] newly promoted assistant manager, chosen by my most recent predecessor who stepped down but was still in the department, often told our shared staff that they should trust me, then proceeded to undermine me by giving them an outlet to complain about me instead of engaging me in conversation. – Respondent, Legacy Toxicity in
Employee Success, Interrupted: Recognizing GOTCHA Workplaces, Part 1 Read More »
The 2025 Library Marketing and Communications Conference is taking place on November 11- 13 in St. Louis, Missouri. The event is being organized by the Library Marketing Conference Group, and I’ll be offering a keynote on Day 2 at the event. Learn more about the conference.
Reserved: Library Marketing & Communications Conference (November 2025) Read More »
In a CAUT Journal special issue focusing on labor activism in higher education, Ribaric and Graebner delve into how academic librarians participate in union activities, with a special focus on those who engage in collective bargaining. The article explores these librarians’ motivations and experiences in comparison to non-library faculty members’ who also sit at these
Renewals Reach: Exploring perspectives of union work in libraries Read More »
I’m rounding out the year with a few more speaking and teaching events: October 15, 2025 | OhioNet – The Renewals Workshop; 9AM ET (register here) October 28, 2025 | South Carolina Library Association Annual Conference; 2:15 PM ET October 29, 2025 | Library Journal/School Library Journal course module – Library Management Training: Managing Burnout
Reserved: Various (October 2025) Read More »
Dysfunctional organizations are usually understaffed, leaving employees with ever-growing job creep, which, in turn, brings feelings of overwhelm and feelings of always being behind. Here is when multi-tasking or procrastination come in, compounded by unclear or conflicting directives. If you’re navigating these states and are seeking escape, here are some books focusing on, well…focusing. Carlson,
Book Haul: Decreasing Distractions Read More »
Caelin Ross’ reflection on navigating White fragility and confronting/navigating accountability while facilitating in decolonized contexts reveals vulnerability and resonance – and is soundly situated within the realm of Critical Hope principles and praxis. The Case Ross details the deep work she and Indigenous co-facilitator Vina Begay did to prepare for and offer a workshop on