1. A Librarian’s Guide to Conflict Resolution Dustin Boone Erin Byrne Jennifer Pilling Maggie Young

2. What is Conflict? Officially: Conflict is an incompatibility between the concerns or aims of different parties. -Of interests, opinion, statements, feelings, etc. to come to collision, to clash to be at variance, be incompatible. Library Conflict: When there is a disagreement between library staff that impedes the morale and functioning of the library.

3. Why Conflict is Beneficial Conflict can be the result of library staff creating new ideas in order to improve library service. Conflict of this nature should not be discouraged as there exists possible positive outcomes The task of library managers is not to stop conflict, but to recognize it, determine its source, and see that it is not allowed to reach dysfunctional levels. (Pettas)

4. When Conflict Needs Mediation However, when any conflict begins to cause dissention and turmoil it needs to be properly addressed. Negative Conflict: - Causes emotional stress - Decreases productivity - Can permanently damage relationships - Prevents normal library functioning

5. Conflict is Inevitable Conflict is normal. Certain changes and activities are more susceptible to conflict than others. The key to effective conflict management is having the tools necessary to resolve disputes while preserving amiable working relationships.

6. Common Sources of Conflict Changing Technology Inflexibility Personalities and Individual Differences Job Ambiguity Other?

7. Management Styles Personalities -Introvert -Extrovert Gender -Male -Female Level of involvement - Collaborative vs. Dictatorial

8. Starting Off On the Right Foot The value system of an administration is conveyed more through the actions employees see rather than the words that are spoken. (Ziolkowski 27) -Hiring qualified managerial staff -Supervisory training -Guidance and understanding

9. How to be Proactive Convey Expectations Be Aware Communicate Foster Participation

10. Solutions: What NOT to Do Avoidance Overly Accommodating Dictatorial Management Taking Sides Don’t Lose your Cool

11. Solutions: What TO Do Assess the Conflict Determine the Sources Plan Thoroughly Act Promptly Compromise/ Collaborate Document Attempts at Resolution Other

12. Areas of Conflict within Three Types of Libraries Staff vs Staff Staff vs Management Management vs Staff Department vs Department Academic -University vs. Library -Faculty vs. Library Staff Public -Government vs. Library -Branch Library vs. Main Library Special -Economy vs. Library -Knowledgeable Staff vs. Inexperienced Staff

13. Conclusion Know the Differences Between Good Conflict and Bad Conflict Must Be Able to Adapt to All Situations Know Your Staff