Last updated on Mar 11, 2024

What do you do if you notice signs of burnout in library professionals?

Burnout is a state of physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion caused by chronic stress, especially in demanding and emotionally challenging work environments. Library professionals, who often have to juggle multiple tasks, deal with diverse patrons, and cope with limited resources, are at risk of experiencing burnout. If you notice signs of burnout in yourself or your colleagues, such as fatigue, irritability, cynicism, reduced performance, or loss of motivation, here are some steps you can take to prevent or overcome it.

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1 Identify the sources of stress

The first step to deal with burnout is to identify the sources of stress that are causing it. These may vary depending on your role, your workplace, your personality, and your personal life. Some common sources of stress for library professionals include heavy workload, unrealistic expectations, lack of recognition, insufficient support, role ambiguity, or conflict with patrons or coworkers. Try to pinpoint the specific factors that are affecting you the most and write them down.

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Chisa Pennix-Brown LadyBizness

Conference Curator | Keynote Speaker | Podcaster | Author | Give it to the People® Chief Curator
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Addressing burnout requires a sensitive and supportive approach that respects individuals' boundaries and privacy. While it's essential to encourage open communication and ask questions to understand the sources of stress, it's equally important to recognize that some aspects may be personal and not comfortable for everyone to discuss openly.

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2 Seek support and feedback

The second step to deal with burnout is to seek support and feedback from others who can help you cope or improve your situation. This may include your supervisor, your peers, your friends, your family, or a professional counselor. Communicate your needs, concerns, and goals clearly and respectfully, and ask for constructive feedback on your performance and areas of improvement. Seek out positive and supportive relationships that can provide you with emotional and practical support, as well as guidance and encouragement.

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Chisa Pennix-Brown LadyBizness

Conference Curator | Keynote Speaker | Podcaster | Author | Give it to the People® Chief Curator
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Creating a work environment that fosters trust and psychological safety is crucial. This means providing avenues for employees to express their concerns and seek support without fear of judgment or repercussions. Listening to employees and actually implementing the changes that they feel are needed can also be a factor in work satisfaction and reduce burnout which is often based on the feeling of unbalanced workloads.

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3 Set boundaries and priorities

The third step to deal with burnout is to set boundaries and priorities that can help you manage your time, energy, and resources more effectively. This may include saying no to unnecessary or unreasonable requests, delegating or sharing tasks, limiting your hours, taking breaks, or scheduling some personal time. It also means prioritizing the most important and urgent tasks, and focusing on the aspects of your work that are meaningful and rewarding to you. Avoid multitasking, procrastinating, or perfectionism, and learn to accept that you cannot control everything.

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4 Develop coping skills and self-care habits

The fourth step to deal with burnout is to develop coping skills and self-care habits that can help you reduce stress, increase resilience, and enhance well-being. This may include practicing relaxation techniques, such as breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga, engaging in physical activity, such as walking, jogging, or swimming, pursuing hobbies or interests, such as reading, writing, or gardening, or seeking professional help, such as therapy, coaching, or medication. It also means taking care of your physical and mental health, such as eating well, sleeping enough, and avoiding substance abuse.

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Chisa Pennix-Brown LadyBizness

Conference Curator | Keynote Speaker | Podcaster | Author | Give it to the People® Chief Curator
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Implementing strategies such as providing adequate time off, offering mental health resources, and promoting in office spaces for resetting and rebalancing can significantly contribute to combating burnout. By prioritizing employees' well-being and mental wealth, we create a supportive culture that values their holistic health and recognizes the importance of taking breaks and seeking help when needed.

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5 Seek opportunities for growth and learning

The fifth step to deal with burnout is to seek opportunities for growth and learning that can help you develop new skills, expand your knowledge, and increase your satisfaction and motivation. This may include attending training sessions, workshops, or webinars, joining professional associations or networks, applying for grants or scholarships, or pursuing further education or certification. It also means seeking feedback, mentoring, or coaching, setting realistic and challenging goals, and celebrating your achievements and progress.

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6 Reevaluate your career path and goals

The sixth and final step to deal with burnout is to reevaluate your career path and goals and decide whether they are still aligned with your values, interests, and aspirations. This may include exploring other options, such as changing your role, your workplace, your field, or your profession, or pursuing a different direction, such as entrepreneurship, freelancing, or volunteering. It also means reflecting on your strengths, weaknesses, passions, and purpose, and making informed and intentional choices that can fulfill your potential and happiness.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What do you do if you notice signs of burnout in library professionals?

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2

3

4

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1 Identify the sources of stress

2 Seek support and feedback

3 Set boundaries and priorities

4 Develop coping skills and self-care habits

5 Seek opportunities for growth and learning

6 Reevaluate your career path and goals

7 Here’s what else to consider

Library Services

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What do you do if you notice signs of burnout in library professionals?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Identify the sources of stress

2 Seek support and feedback

3 Set boundaries and priorities

4 Develop coping skills and self-care habits

5 Seek opportunities for growth and learning

6 Reevaluate your career path and goals

7 Here’s what else to consider

Library Services

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