CALCON 2022

From learning about solar eclipses and telescopes to chucking bundled up library books across the ground for a ‘Library Olympics’ Workshop, CALCON 2022 did not disappoint! Earlier this month, BRL’s Community Engagement Coordinator, Cathy Click and I were sent to Denver to attend 2022’s Colorado Association of Libraries Conference! From September 8-10, Cathy and I participated in library-related workshops, networked with other attendees, toured Westminster Library and even got to take a peek inside a bookmobile (library on wheels)! We both made connections and gained valuable insight on a variety of topics. It was a melting pot and a ‘confluence of ideas’ which also happened to be the theme of the Conference.

Here are three of my takeaways from the workshops I attended: 

1. Conflict can either be healthy or high. Healthy conflict is useful friction and your dignity remaining intact. Healthy conflict helps us learn and grow as individuals. High conflict is highly charged and degrades life for one’s own satisfaction. It is prompted by group identity, humiliation, and corruption. It usually results in stagnation. An example of high conflict would be protestors disrupting drag queen story hour. A lot of conflicts can be diffused through communication and listening rather than being combative/argumentative and making the situation worse. 
2. Because Tweens (children ages 9-12) are developing physically and emotionally/behaviorally, it is especially important that libraries take steps to develop programs for this age group. Programs for tweens would give them a sense of community, allow them to interact with peers, and make them feel special and appreciated by the library. When addressing a Tweens’ problematic behavior, it’s important to be clear, consistent, respectful, positive, and patient. 
3. Many libraries have titles that are biased including children’s literature (ex. ‘Beautiful Girls’ Coloring Book’). Recognizing biases can result in more inclusion and better relationships. Employees can make their libraries (and all organizations) more inclusive for their patrons and customers through staff training, hiring and retention practices, inclusive policies, signage (‘All Are Welcome Here’) and displays.

On Friday of the Conference, our Technical Services Associate, Gaby Lagos, received the Lucy Schweers Award for Excellence in Support Services. This award recognizes Support Services Staff who exemplify outstanding leadership and service. Being able to be there in person to see her accept her award was very inspiring. 
​
What really resonated with me throughout the Conference was seeing all the passion the speakers and librarians shared in cultivating and innovating their libraries and really focusing on the wellbeing of patrons. Every single person strived for inclusion and accessibility. I felt so privileged and honored to have attended such an incredible event! CALCON has motivated me to become a more dedicated and attentive librarian. 

I want to conclude with a profound quote from the ‘Organizational Culture’ Session I attended: “Libraries are filled with resources, but your people are your most valuable resource.” 

-Amy Schuster

Reference note: 
Information received from the conflict presentation came from the book, High Conflict by Amanda Ripley.  All other information came from the speakers.*