This is an archived webinar available from our new archived webinar platform "SERLS Academy".  Once you've registered, follow this link 

 my.nicheacademy.com/serls-staff 

Once your account is created (easy to do...just your email and a password)  Jay will be alerted that you're registered in the academy and you'll be able to access the archived webinars.

This particular online experience is a mere 60 minutes in length.  Easy to fit into your busy schedule.  

Competency: Library Management Competencies

Sub-Category: Demonstrates the impact and value of the library to the community through ongoing evaluation and assessment of library services 

Fake news often feels like a weapon in a never-ending war.

In that analogy, libraries are the first line of defense. 

But, maybe we need less focus on fighting and more on diplomacy.

After all, the harder we battle someone over their beliefs, the more resistant they become. 

So how do we get around the Backfire Effect? First, we have to look at ourselves. 

Are our personal beliefs affecting our communication style? 

We must create safe, nonjudgmental opportunities to teach our patrons how to assess information for accuracy and bias. 

That means we need to meet each patron at his/her own level. 

We need to educate our communities without alienating them or losing their trust. 

We must use diplomacy without sacrificing what we represent.

In this interactive and informative program, attendees will learn how to:

Better understand their own biases and how those biases influence their interactions

Understand and empathize with the patrons they disagree with 

Use facts (and avoid opinions) during these interactions

Acknowledge when an interaction can no longer benefit the patron

no charge