Keywords

Academic libraries, Employee engagement, Workplace culture, Burnout, Employee well-being, Community building, Workplace belonging, Staff morale, Organizational culture, Library employees

Abstract

Libraries are often expected to create joy for others, yet many library workers continue to experience burnout, dissatisfaction, and disconnection. This session explores how one academic library implemented a staff-led, administration-supported approach to rebuilding workplace culture through collective, low-cost, and capacity-aware strategies. Centered on the work of an internal advisory group, this model creates structured opportunities for feedback, collaboration, and shared decision-making while introducing small, intentional interventions that foster connection, recognition, and belonging. Rather than relying on individual resilience or one-time morale boosts, this approach emphasizes sustainable, iterative practices that respond to staff needs and organizational realities. Attendees will leave with practical, adaptable strategies for cultivating supportive, community-centered environments that promote well-being and reimagine what it means to thrive at work.

Publication Date

8-11-2026

Original Citation

Phillips, J. D., Garner, C., & Dancel, C. (2026, August 11). From Burnout to Belonging: Reintroducing Joy Through Collaborative Library Culture Change. (Conference Presentation). ThriveLib Virtual Conference.

Document Type

Conference Presentation

Publication Version

Author's version

Location

Orlando (Main) Campus

Department

UCF Libraries

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