Formerly the Psychology Librarian at Princeton from 1980 to 1984, Janice Simmons-Welburn is currently  Director for Central Public Services and Facilities at the University of Iowa Libraries.  She has written widely on issues of diversity, human resources, library instruction, and staff development.  In a thought-provoking presentation, Janice will help us to become aware of our own cultures and show us how we can make our differences work in the workplace. 

Mitchell Brown, the Head of the Math/Physics Library, will speak about profiles of African American scientists from The Faces of Science: African Americans in the Sciences, a website which he created and which profiles African American men and women who have contributed to the advancement of science and engineering. 

The demographics of librarianship require that we be in constant recruitment and interview mode, always searching for and welcoming the best candidates from all cultures and walks of life.  In this workshop we will discuss recruiting, reading applications with diversity in mind, and interview techniques.

This seminar will provide us with some insight into issues of deafness and help facilitate better communication with deaf and hard of hearing Library staff, Library users, and friends and neighbors.  The workshop will be presented in sign language and interpreted for hearing staff. 

April 2; 9:00-12:00 AM
April 3; 9:00AM-1:00 PM(lvel 2)
McAlpin Rehearsal Room

The professional actors from CITE will present two scenarios portraying tense situations in the academic workplace.  Participants will then be encouraged to question the actors, while still in character, about their motivations and emotional responses.  A facilitator weaves this all together into forceful lessons on human behavior.  For more information see the CITE website.

Prevention of sexual harassment in the workplace is everyone's responsibility, but sometimes it is difficult to recognize and understand what sexual harassment actually is. This workshop is important to all staff and especially vital for supervisors to be aware of the complexities of the issue. 

Training session for volunteer facilitators: 
February 26;  10:00-12:00 AM 
February 27;  1:00-3:00 PM 
Rare Books West Room 

Initial group meetings:
March 19; 10:30-12:00 AM
March 26; 10:30-12:00 AM
Frist Multipurpose Room

We are hoping that the Library will be in the forefront of participation in the new campus initiative called Dialogue@Princeton, which is being coordinated by Fleurette King from the Office of Campus Life.  The goals of the program are stated on the webpage:  "Seeking to amplify discussions about diversity and increase the number of voices in this essential dialogue, the University has developed a new program to foster a more open and welcoming campus environment." 

The  technique that will be used is "sustained dialogue" - small group discussions, regularly scheduled and led by volunteer facilitators.  This will enable us to continue the discussions that we began with the Cornell Interactive Theatre Ensemble.  At the informational session, Fleurette will explore with us how we might set up some discussion groups within the Library.  The following week she will train volunteer facilitators on the techniques of leading small group discussions.