In August 2024 I began my role as 2024-2025 Follett Chair with the Dominican University School of Information Studies (DU SOIS). As part of my collaboration with DU SOIS, in October I offered a two-part presentation series sharing information about my low-morale experience research. The talks were open to the public through registration to the virtual event, and 137 people registered for the talks. Dominican University offered attendees an opportunity to share feedback for both events, and I’ve shared responses below.
October 2, 2024: Low-Morale Experience in Academic and Public Libraries
- An introduction and overview of negative workplace behaviors, low-morale experience development, and impacts on health and workplace dynamics
- A summary of impact factors and enabling systems
- Countermeasure recommendations
Feedback (N=11 responses):
On a scale of 1-5, how would you rate the usefulness of the webinar content in enhancing your understanding your understanding of morale issues in libraries? 4.91
Please share any specific aspects you found particularly helpful or areas where you think improvements could be made:
“Lots of nuggets dropped. Resist isolation & cynicism…, [Dominican] University Conflict Resolution course. Assertive Communication – Presume good intention.”
“I enjoyed the literature review and [Kaetrena’s] personal reflections. I feel that she is really interested in helping others improve those libraries where the morale is low.”
“I appreciated the way [Kaetrena] used real life examples and spoke about the topic in a person-centered way, instead of purely theoretical. It was refreshing.”
I’ve learned new terms and concepts that are very useful to my understanding of what I’ve experienced, as well as what I’ve observed. The webinar has encouraged me to think about what’s happening with me and around me.”
“Kaetrena has been able to astutely identify concepts as well as the progression of low-morale in a truly revelatory way. I’m so grateful for the years of research and expertise she has invested into this work…Thank you so much for the opportunity to hear more from Kaetrena.”
“The inclusion of personal stories was very impactful…”
“The clarity and detail of information presented (how it was explained as progressions). The labeling of certain behaviors of abuse (that framing was enlightening and I’ve already shared it with others). The knowledge about how to practice self preservation and collective care.”
“I found [Kaetrena] as engaging as usual!”
October 21, 2024: The Low-Morale Experience: Differentiation and Continuing Research
- A closer look at differentials of low-morale experiences for public library workers
- A closer look at differentials of low-morale experiences for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color working in libraries
- Explorations of expanded impact factors and enabling systems for these groups
- Additional countermeasure recommendations
- A summary of future low-morale experience research goals
Feedback (N=12 responses):
On a scale of 1-5, how would you rate the usefulness of the webinar content in enhancing your understanding your understanding of morale issues in libraries? 4.82
Please share any specific aspects you found particularly helpful or areas where you think improvements could be made:
“I appreciated the care Kaetrena used when speaking, asking questions, and responding to questions. This is a sensitive topic and Kaetrena was able to discuss her research with compassion and understanding rather than simply data. Thank you for this session and look forward to more.”
“There were so may [sic] nuggets dropped in this session: 1. Healthy Resilience vs. Unhealthy resilience. 2. Expectations of certain behaviors. These two sessions are helping me to unpack certain situations that occurred. I will surely research certain topics to help me to operate healthy in unhealthy work situations.”
“Kaetrena Kendrick is a unique voice in this profession and I applaud you for giving her this platform. Excellent sessions – Excellent choice for Follett Chair.”
“I really enjoyed the conversation and perspective provided. I look forward to attending another time.”
“It was very helpful to hear about the low-morale experience trajectory and to have names assigned for the types of abuse we experience…. For those of us in the midst of experiencing these things from persons in power, or trying to make sense later out of “what happened,” it is vital for these things to be recognized as REAL and to have real names. It is too easy for colleagues to dismiss these realities as ‘not that bad’ or participate in gaslighting the individual suffering through this, or being a bystander and just watching it happen to someone, or saying ‘oh that must be just a personality issue’…”
“I really liked how Kaetrena introduced her initial studies and later built on that by how she specified within those studies such as applying the study specifically for BIPOC and how the plan is further the initial study.”
“[Kaetrena] helped clarify the concept of how both internal and external interactions from both patrons and management / coworkers can impact moral [sic] in the workplace. She also touched on how this Low-Morale experience is magnified for persons working in library systems who are from marginalized communities…”
“Having data validating my experience from people I don’t know, gave me the feeling like was holding my breath and could finally let it out. I am not alone and this is not normal.”
Thanks to colleagues who registered and attended these important conversations, and I would also like to share my deep gratitude to Don Hamerly, Director of the DU SOIS, and to the DU SOIS faculty and staff for their support of and participation in these forums.
