Although we often automatically connect “diversity” to culture, one of the first definitions of diversity that you’ll see in the dictionary is “variety.” And variety we have in our library environments! Age, gender, culture, race, upbringing, personalities, geographical background, education, learning styles, social status, profession, introvert/extrovert, spirituality, political beliefs, relationships…the list goes on and on. So let’s take a look at some of those elements to gain a better understanding of our patrons, our co-workers, and ourselves!

Academic Library staff will be interested in this workshop because the diversity of differences in an academic environment can sometimes focus on differences in culture.

Public Library staff will find this training beneficial because you never know who is walking in that front door - your encounter with just two patrons can encompass several differences – all in a matter of minutes!

School Librarians and Media Specialists will benefit from the confirmation of what they’ve known all along - that each “customer” is different – and different is okay!

Special Libraries will be interested in this workshop because it will give them a chance to step back and focus on what they do best – seeing all “varieties” of people as simply people who can use their services.

 Linda has been developing and conducting training workshops for libraries and other organizations for more than fifteen years. She offers workshops on topics ranging from Leadership Skills to Returning Balance – and lots of areas in between! Linda received her MBA from the University of Florida and has years of experience in hands-on management positions. She develops her workshops based on solid research and – more importantly – real-life application. Linda is also certified with DDI and Achieve Global.