Shows
Surviving The Stacks PodcastWhen It's Time For A Change (54:13)Sometimes it’s time to move on from a job, either because the environment is toxic and unhealthy, the job is not a good fit for the person’s interests, skills, or priorities, or just because the person is ready for a change or a new challenge in their career. In this episode, Beth and Jane talk with Alison King, a career coach, job search guide, and former librarian who specializes in what she calls “Leaping Librarians.” Alison talks about signs that it’s time to move on, other types of roles often pursued by library workers, limiting beliefs that often...
2025-07-0754 minSurviving The Stacks PodcastRestorative Practices (53:30)As many libraries continue to experience significant behavioral problems from visitors, they are often looking for ways to address these challenges from a trauma-informed approach. In this episode, Beth and Jane talk with Stephen Jackson, a licensed professional counselor, consultant, and trainer who specializes in restorative justice. Stephen has spent years overseeing restorative approaches in libraries and other public spaces and provides guidance to the STS audience about strategies for preventing behavioral problems as well as strategies for responding when challenges occur. Stephen also compares how approaches might differ...
2025-06-0253 minSurviving The Stacks PodcastHiring + Supporting Staff (46:20)As library visitor needs have changed over the years, libraries have found that they often need staff to have different skills and characteristics compared to what they may have needed in the past. If there is a mismatch between someone’s skills and the needs of a particular position, this increases staff stress as well as impacting the customer experience of the library. In this episode, Beth and Jane discuss some of the training needs of staff to help them be as prepared as possible for the contemporary realities of the work. They interview Ann...
2025-05-0546 minSurviving The Stacks PodcastMeeting Your Community's Needs (38:22)With libraries struggling for limited resources in many communities around the world, growing politically motivated protests, and some people questioning libraries’ relevance, it is more important than ever to ensure a library’s services and programs meet the needs of the local community. Small and rural libraries, in particular, struggle to survive if not well supported by their community members. In this episode, Beth and Jane interview Dianne Connery, previous Director and current Development Director of Pottsboro Area Public Library in Texas (US). On the verge of closing its doors, Dianne led a group of dedicated stakeholders who transformed this...
2025-04-0738 minSurviving The Stacks PodcastPartnering With Local Government (50:42)Libraries can’t do their work alone, and many benefit from collaborating with local government partners. In this episode, Beth and Jane interview Leanne Mitchell, a private consultant and previous government worker from Australia who focuses her work on helping local government bodies address issues related to homelessness. She has collaborated with a number of libraries throughout her work, including supporting libraries to implement and carry out innovative programs and services for their most marginalized patrons by partnering with other local government entities. She shares her experience and guidance for libraries trying to build co...
2025-03-0350 minSurviving The Stacks PodcastServing The Unhoused (55:21)
Libraries increasingly serve many people who are unhoused, especially since they are often one of the only free, accessible spaces in most communities for people without many resources. However, this population is one with many additional and sometimes complex needs, which can often cause stress for library staff. In this episode, Beth and Jane share strategies used by libraries to effectively engage and serve this population, including discussing the recommendations from the recently released Leadership Brief for Addressing Homelessness distributed by the US Urban Libraries Council. They also interview Sarah Garnett, Managing Director of the Footpath Library...
2025-02-0355 min
Polyneux - Wir lieben Videospiele... meistensPolyneux tritt nach. Episode 11: Entdeckometer
***chhhrrrrrrzzzzpüüüüühhh*** Hu? zzzwas? Nurschorchfünfminutenmuddigrunz. War doch gerade so gemütlich, der Winterschlaf. Die Leute haben doch mit dem Polyreuxblick noch mehr als genug Beschäftigung. Das müssen die doch auch erstmal alles lesen. Muss das echt jetzt schon wieder ein Podcast sein? Was meinst Du mit „Die Leute lesen nicht mehr?!“. Was sollen das für Leute sein? Wilde? Was? Ach so, AfD-Wähler. Ja, nee. Die wollen wir hier eh nicht, egal. Die braucht niemand. Was? Die anderen auch nicht? Nichtmal ein bisschen? Nichtmal jetzt, wo TikTok down ist? Ach so, nur bei den Amis. Schade. J...
2025-01-192h 53
Library Social WorkDr. Jane GarnerDr. Jane Garner is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Information & Communication Studies at Charles Sturt University in New South Wales, Australia. She also co-hosts the Surviving the Stacks podcast alongside Dr. Beth Wahler. I'm thrilled to have Jane on the show to share a non-U.S. perspective on library-social work collaborations. In our conversation, we explore her current research interests and the mission of her podcast: supporting public library staff by reminding them they are not alone in navigating the challenges of their work.Substack@librarysocialwork
2025-01-0738 minSurviving The Stacks PodcastGetting Buy In (55:48)When libraries seek to add innovative programming or services, especially those that aim to serve vulnerable or marginalized populations, it can be difficult to get buy-in from decision-makers and stakeholders; without buy-in and support, these new programs or services can struggle and even fail.
In this episode, Beth and Jane interview Tonya Garcia and David Perez from the Long Branch Free Public Library in New Jersey (USA) about some of their library’s programs and how they successfully got buy-in. They have been successful implementing nontraditional library programs such as the Fade to Books Ba...
2025-01-0655 minSurviving The Stacks PodcastLack of Resources: How Measuring Outcomes Can Help (42:09)Access This Episode Transcript
Beth and Jane discuss the struggle many libraries have for financial resources, and how necessary it is for libraries to know how to measure outcomes and show the impact of their services to help bring in or justify continued or added financial support. They interview Darren Smart, Head of Service for Somerset Libraries in the UK, about the importance of being able to measure and report outcomes to demonstrate to partners and funders the benefits of working with or supporting the library. Darren shares suggestions for ways libraries can turn qualitative information and...
2024-12-0242 minSurviving The Stacks PodcastTrauma + Improving Staff Support (1:02:21)Access This Episode Transcript
In this episode, Beth and Jane discuss the need for trauma-informed care in libraries, not just for patrons but also for staff. They interview Linde Furman, Branch Manager at Pima County Public Library’s Joel Valdez Main Library, about strategies being used in her library to create and sustain a culture of care, reduce the trauma experienced by staff, and effectively respond when staff experience a traumatic workplace incident. Linde discusses the work happening in her library as well as lessons learned that can inform other libraries wanting to improve trauma-informed care and support for staf...
2024-11-041h 02
Unbound from Northeast Kansas Library SystemUnbound s04e03: Mental Wellness with Beth WahlerIn this episode, Dan and Anna reflect on the NEKLS 2024 Spring Directors Institute with expert presenter Dr. Beth Wahler. Beth explores the 3 Es of Trauma, the rise of burnout in public services, and the importance of community-based program development. A special thanks to Beth for guiding us in addressing mental wellness in public libraries.
2024-10-1616 minSurviving The Stacks PodcastBurnout + Low Morale (1:07:24)Access This Episode Transcript
This episode centers around library worker experiences of burnout, and organizational and workplace factors that often contribute to that burnout. Beth and Jane interview consultant and researcher, Kaetrena Davis Kendrick, about her research on low morale experiences in libraries and discuss strategies staff and managers can use to increase the wellness of everyone working in the library.
Kaetrena's Website: https://renewalslis.com/about/
2024-10-071h 07Surviving The Stacks PodcastViolence and Aggression (1:10:28)Access This Episode Transcript
Beth and Jane discuss violence and aggressive behavior happening in libraries and how these behaviors are impacting staff. They also interview Kristy Gardenour about safety and security in libraries. Kristy provides helpful information about security officers and their training, and makes recommendations for ways libraries utilizing security guards can improve their overall fit for the library environment. She also discusses additional strategies with Beth and Jane for increasing library safety.
2024-09-021h 10
New Books in Public PolicyElizabeth A. Wahler and Sarah C. Johnson, "Creating a Person-Centered Library: Best Practices for Supporting High-Needs Patrons (Bloomsbury, 2023)Creating a Person-Centered Library: Best Practices for Supporting High-Needs Patrons (Bloomsbury, 2023) provides a comprehensive overview of various services, programs, and collaborations to help libraries serve high-needs patrons as well as strategies for supporting staff working with these individuals. While public libraries are struggling to address growing numbers of high-needs patrons experiencing homelessness, food insecurity, mental health problems, substance abuse, and poverty-related needs, this book will help librarians build or contribute to library services that will best address patrons' psychosocial needs. Beth Wahler and Sarah C. Johnson, experienced in both library and social work, begin by providing an overview of p...
2024-08-281h 00
New Books in Disability StudiesElizabeth A. Wahler and Sarah C. Johnson, "Creating a Person-Centered Library: Best Practices for Supporting High-Needs Patrons (Bloomsbury, 2023)Creating a Person-Centered Library: Best Practices for Supporting High-Needs Patrons (Bloomsbury, 2023) provides a comprehensive overview of various services, programs, and collaborations to help libraries serve high-needs patrons as well as strategies for supporting staff working with these individuals. While public libraries are struggling to address growing numbers of high-needs patrons experiencing homelessness, food insecurity, mental health problems, substance abuse, and poverty-related needs, this book will help librarians build or contribute to library services that will best address patrons' psychosocial needs. Beth Wahler and Sarah C. Johnson, experienced in both library and social work, begin by providing an overview of p...
2024-08-2858 min
New Books in EducationElizabeth A. Wahler and Sarah C. Johnson, "Creating a Person-Centered Library: Best Practices for Supporting High-Needs Patrons (Bloomsbury, 2023)Creating a Person-Centered Library: Best Practices for Supporting High-Needs Patrons (Bloomsbury, 2023) provides a comprehensive overview of various services, programs, and collaborations to help libraries serve high-needs patrons as well as strategies for supporting staff working with these individuals. While public libraries are struggling to address growing numbers of high-needs patrons experiencing homelessness, food insecurity, mental health problems, substance abuse, and poverty-related needs, this book will help librarians build or contribute to library services that will best address patrons' psychosocial needs. Beth Wahler and Sarah C. Johnson, experienced in both library and social work, begin by providing an overview of p...
2024-08-281h 00
New Books in Museum StudiesElizabeth A. Wahler and Sarah C. Johnson, "Creating a Person-Centered Library: Best Practices for Supporting High-Needs Patrons (Bloomsbury, 2023)Creating a Person-Centered Library: Best Practices for Supporting High-Needs Patrons (Bloomsbury, 2023) provides a comprehensive overview of various services, programs, and collaborations to help libraries serve high-needs patrons as well as strategies for supporting staff working with these individuals. While public libraries are struggling to address growing numbers of high-needs patrons experiencing homelessness, food insecurity, mental health problems, substance abuse, and poverty-related needs, this book will help librarians build or contribute to library services that will best address patrons' psychosocial needs. Beth Wahler and Sarah C. Johnson, experienced in both library and social work, begin by providing an overview of p...
2024-08-2858 min
Scholarly CommunicationElizabeth A. Wahler and Sarah C. Johnson, "Creating a Person-Centered Library: Best Practices for Supporting High-Needs Patrons (Bloomsbury, 2023)Creating a Person-Centered Library: Best Practices for Supporting High-Needs Patrons (Bloomsbury, 2023) provides a comprehensive overview of various services, programs, and collaborations to help libraries serve high-needs patrons as well as strategies for supporting staff working with these individuals. While public libraries are struggling to address growing numbers of high-needs patrons experiencing homelessness, food insecurity, mental health problems, substance abuse, and poverty-related needs, this book will help librarians build or contribute to library services that will best address patrons' psychosocial needs. Beth Wahler and Sarah C. Johnson, experienced in both library and social work, begin by providing an overview of p...
2024-08-2858 min
New Books in Library ScienceElizabeth A. Wahler and Sarah C. Johnson, "Creating a Person-Centered Library: Best Practices for Supporting High-Needs Patrons (Bloomsbury, 2023)Creating a Person-Centered Library: Best Practices for Supporting High-Needs Patrons (Bloomsbury, 2023) provides a comprehensive overview of various services, programs, and collaborations to help libraries serve high-needs patrons as well as strategies for supporting staff working with these individuals. While public libraries are struggling to address growing numbers of high-needs patrons experiencing homelessness, food insecurity, mental health problems, substance abuse, and poverty-related needs, this book will help librarians build or contribute to library services that will best address patrons' psychosocial needs. Beth Wahler and Sarah C. Johnson, experienced in both library and social work, begin by providing an overview of p...
2024-08-2858 minSurviving The Stacks PodcastAll Things To All People (01:04:16)Access This Episode Transcript
In this episode of Surviving the Stacks, Beth and Jane focus on the stress that occurs when libraries don’t have clear boundaries around their roles or clear expectations for staff. They also interview Noah Lenstra, who talks about how developing intentional collaborations and partnerships with other area organizations can help libraries expand their services and meet patron needs while also reducing pressure for staff to be all things to all people.
Dr. Lenstra also shares pointers for setting collaborations up for success and for libraries to advocate for their needs.
...
2024-08-051h 04
Library Social WorkDr. Beth WahlerDr. Beth Wahler is the Owner of Beth Wahler Consulting and an Affiliated Research Faculty member at the UNC Charlotte School of Social Work. Her expertise as a social work consultant to public libraries has taken her around the globe, including Australia, where she began collaborating with academic librarian Dr. Jane Garner. Together, they recently launched their Surviving the Stacks podcast. Dr. Wahler and I discuss the importance of transforming library culture to better support library staff, gaps in the research about library/social work partnerships, and clarify that not every library needs a social worker. She a...
2024-08-0256 min
Library Social WorkDavid Perez, MSW The first episode of the Library Social Work podcast is here! See below for the list of topics David and I discussed including relevant links and attachments to learn more. I look forward to reading your feedback.TopicsIntroduction to podcast and this first episodeDavid’s path to library social work at Long Branch“Typical” day and tasksHis role and responsibilitiesGrowth of library social work in New Jersey2024 American Library Association presentation about the Social Work Informed Library Services in New Jersey (SWILIBS-NJ) pilot programLibrary-based social work student internshipsCommunity Outreach Programs:Fade to Books: Barbers...
2024-07-241h 00
Library Social WorkDavid Perez, MSWFirst episode!The first episode of the Library Social Work podcast is here! See below for the list of topics David and I discussed including relevant links and attachments to learn more. I look forward to reading your feedback.TopicsIntroduction to podcast and this first episodeDavid’s path to library social work at Long Branch“Typical” day and tasksHis role and responsibilitiesGrowth of library social work in New Jersey2024 American Library Association presentation about the Social Work Informed Library Services in New Jersey (SWILIBS-NJ) pilot programLibrary-based social work student interns...
2024-07-241h 04
Library Social WorkDavid Perez, MSWDavid is a bilingual Library Social Worker at the Long Branch Free Public Library and the first social worker hired by a public library in New Jersey. First episode! The first episode of Library Social Work podcast is here! See below for the list of topics David and I discussed including relevant links and attachments to learn more. I look forward to reading your feedback.TopicsIntroduction to podcast and this first episodeDavid’s path to library social work at Long Branch“Typical” day and tasksHis role and respons...
2024-07-241h 04Surviving The Stacks PodcastWelcome to Surviving The Stacks Podcast! (21:24)Access This Episode Transcript
Featuring stories and examples from across the globe, this podcast seeks to increase support to library workers and administrators experiencing challenges, bring awareness of the public to common library concerns, improve understanding about the reasons why libraries are seeing these challenges, and share innovative solutions for libraries to consider using in their own community.
2024-07-0321 min
Circulating Ideas256: Creating a Person-Centered Library
Steve chats with Elizabeth A. Wahler and Sarah C. Johnson, authors of the book, Creating a Person-Centered Library: Best Practices for Supporting High-Needs Patrons, about how they came to work with libraries, what a person-centered approach to library work looks like, why it’s important for both library staff and administration to buy in to the approach, and what future trends they see in this area.
Read the transcript!
Elizabeth A. Wahler is Professor and Director of the School of Social Work at The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, USA, and founder of Beth Wah...
2024-04-0200 minCirculating Ideas256: Creating a Person-Centered Library
Steve chats with Elizabeth A. Wahler and Sarah C. Johnson, authors of the book, Creating a Person-Centered Library: Best Practices for Supporting High-Needs Patrons, about how they came to work with libraries, what a person-centered approach to library work looks like, why it’s important for both library staff and administration to buy in to the approach, and what future trends they see in this area.
Read the transcript!
Elizabeth A. Wahler is Professor and Director of the School of Social Work at The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, USA, and founder of Beth Wah...
2024-04-0200 min
Word of Mom RadioMusic Monday - #WoMRadio's Favorite Songs from Our Season Six Musical GuestsChild of the Universe by David Wahler from his album Mosaic. Presented on Positively Entertaining with Beth Hilton.Selfish Pride – The first single by Derrick T. Lewis in collaboration with Stefan Moessle and Aswad SamadHis Sweet Breath – from the Musical Fairy Tale “The Trial of Pastor Goodson” by Moonshine Revival Tent. Bret Fetzer, Sari Breznou and Eric Padget.In the Morning - from Gregg Coffin’s musical “Convenience." Sung by Mary Jo McConnell who plays Mother Superior in the current Westchester Broadway Theatre show - Sister Act.Song for Dunnie – by Fiona Joy, brought to us by Beth Hilton of The B. CompanyBi...
2018-06-1837 min
Word of Mom RadioPositively Entertaining presents David Wahler #WoMRadio #MusicMondayJoin us on the fourth Monday of every month for Positively Entertaining with Beth Hilton. This entertainment maven helps us to “stay above the fray” in L.A....or anywhere! Learn how to take the high road in business, and chat with the creators of today’s positively transformational music, books, TV & Films. Connect with her at TheBCompany.com
This Monday April 23rd at 1pmET/10amPT or any time in the archives, enjoy Beth's conversation with talented composer & designer David Wahler about living a beautiful life. His music is described as: Lushly orchestrated soundscapes with an emphasis on evocative melody, each track a...
2018-04-2343 min
aha! Process PodcastsGetting Ahead Study Results - Phil DeVol and Beth Wahler Webinar PodcastIn this installment, Phil DeVol introduces the results of a national study of Getting Ahead in a Just Gettin-By-World. Phil, who created Getting Ahead, is joined in this discussion by Beth Wahler, author of the study and an assistant professor of social work at Indiana University.
2017-04-2853 min