2021-01-15 SPLAT Curiosity Report: Volume 7, Issue 5
Featured Story
Effects of seasonal affective disorder on library patrons and staff
Here we go folks, it’s time for SAD.
Winter is quickly approaching and anyone who has lived in northern states for very long has come to terms with something called SAD. Seasonal Affective Disorder. It’s caused by lack of sunlight and the further north you are, the more likely it could affect you. Idaho is one of those places and many of us that suffer from SAD are familiar with its symptoms; low energy levels, low mood, feelings of despair, and so on. It can be combated by increased light exposure and high doses of vitamin D3.
However, not everyone is aware of things that they can do to help combat SAD. When working in a public space, it’s sometimes difficult to deal with patrons when you, and/or the patrons are also suffering from SAD. So what can we do about it?
Be aware.
Be kind.
Be patient.
From my own experience as a customer or patron of a business during the winter months, I really appreciated the people that helped me with a smile, or a little extra patience and understanding. It made a world of difference in my day, oftentimes even making me feel better.
Even if someone appears fine, being patient and kind makes a huge impact. It’s no different in the library world. Patrons come in, they are SAD, and they need help. It might be frustrating for them and they feel hopeless, but when we’re willing to help with kindness, even if we’re SAD too, that may just be all that person needs in that moment.
Be the sunshine. :D
– Vanessa Thiele
Fail Forward
We’ve all been there. You pour your heart into a program, and no one shows up. You try something new, and you fall on your face. Sound familiar? Fail Forward is the place to share your failures, and give you the opportunity to share what you learned from them. Did you promote your program in a different way after no one showed up? Maybe you took a new approach to the new thing you were excited about? Awesome! Share your story via our online form so others can learn, and realize that failure is often part of the process.
How do we turn a fail into a forward?
Recognize the fail! Embrace it.
Look at the why.
Evaluate going forward.
I had a Family Read Week activity that only two families attended. Discouraged, I went over the why. Advertising? Bad Idea? Nothing jumped out at me until two days later I looked at the school calendar and it dawned on me, there were multiple games that Friday, a concert at the middle school, and it was bitterly cold that night. Some things I could control, some I couldn’t. I can’t fight mother nature, but I can check the school calendar in the future. So the fact I had two families? I will count it as a win!
– Rasheil Stanger
Crush Corner
Is there a library you follow on social media who is always doing new and exciting things? How about a blog you follow that inspires you? What about a new idea, book, or resource that you want to share? Library Crush Corner is a place for those working in Idaho libraries to share what inspires them, and who or what they’re crushing on… in a professional sense. Share your story via our online form so we can publish it in a future issue!
Nansloe Academy in Cornwall
The school library I am crushing on is actually over the pond. Nansloe Academy in Cornwall has a hobbit hole IN their school library! Who wouldn’t want to curl up with a good book inside a cozy little hobbit hole? While I love the idea of children being able to immerse themselves in story, Nansloe Academy is also committed to making life-long readers and creating a culture of reading at their school. To learn more visit https://www.nansloe.com/our-library.
– Gretchen Perkins
SPLAT explores the ever-evolving library world and supports library folks as they adapt to meet the needs of their communities. Library folk throughout the state of Idaho volunteer to serve on the Special Projects Library Action Team (SPLAT). Learn more about SPLAT at splat.lili.org
SPLAT is brought to you by the Idaho Commission for Libraries and was made possible, in part, by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (LS-246156-OLS-20). The views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication do not necessarily represent those of the Institute of Museum and Library Services.