Coping During COVID-19

By Robert Belvin
Director, New Brunswick Free Public Library

Many events, both personal and professional, that disrupt our lives can be anticipated and we have examples of ways to cope. However, black swan events are so unique from what has happened before that we have to invent new ways of coping. Sometimes we can be successful in creating new ways, sometimes the actions we choose make the situations worse, and sometimes we cannot affect the situation.

Very few of us have dealt with a pandemic. Library staff and libraries have had to create new ways of coping using existing tools in different ways and inventing new tools. However, the professional side of our need to cope was probably less challenging then the personal and emotional side for some.

There are some characteristics I have seen in the library world over my half century of involvement that make coping with black swan events more challenging. Library staff are generally committed to what they do on an emotional level — it is not just a job. Libraries are quite complex organizations. Successful changes are not sudden and imposed but rather are gradual, often borrowed from other libraries, and rely on a slow-forming consensus. Although there are data-based choices, many library operations are based on a need to serve even when the needs are ill-defined. Many library staffs are personally cohesive, and those staff members enjoy their regular interactions with their colleagues.

An informal survey of reactions to the pandemic ranged from the surprisingly positive to the almost dismal. The commitment to libraries made it satisfying to successfully deal with technological challenges of virtual meetings and chat, while at the same time more stressful because of the pace of the change. Others enjoyed the challenge of finding new ways to serve the public and organize their work. On the other side, those who were furloughed had to cope with feeling that their efforts at finding new ways of serving the public were not appreciated by the local governments, boards, or administration.

Not everybody, however, found the changes in circumstances to be positive. Many felt deprived of the regular interaction they had with their coworkers. Time management was challenging for people who had always been almost overwhelmed with tasks. All of these added to the constant worry of many about contracting COVID, and the resistance of some to what they felt were overly cautious restraints.

On a personal level, some people loved working from home and found it less stressful and more productive. The flexibility of remote working allowed people to do non-library things that they had never gotten to. Some had almost unimaginable challenges, such as transplant surgery, that had to be postponed. Others had more mundane but still stress-ridden challenges, such as children who did not cope well with virtual classes, and financial difficulties.

The reactions of library staff to the pandemic do not seem to be easily classified. There was a clear interaction between the library circumstances and the personal circumstances of the individuals. We do not know the long-term impact on libraries and their staff. Indeed, given that the pandemic’s impact will not begin to be fully felt for at least another six months and even then we will only know the immediate impacts of COVID and our reactions to it, the ripples will extend through our lifetimes.

History & Preservation Section

By Ken Kaufman
President of the NJLA History & Preservation Section
Adult Services Librarian, Somerset County Library System

Local history touches every library. From trivial curiosities to the profound events, our communities turn to us for knowledge, interpretation, and preservation of their past, expecting some degree of expertise. The History & Preservation Section is your connection for tapping into this past. Our members practice in various types of libraries and archives, as well as work for historical societies and museums. We are engaged in helping the public rediscover its past though archival, reference, collection development, programming, exhibition, and other activities. We are involved, and regularly collaborate, with kindred organizations statewide.

H&P has been an active part of NJLA for decades, the result of a merger of two earlier sections, which established our legacy beginning in the 1960s. The continuity of this legacy is most clearly illustrated in the publication of our newsletter, The Chronicle, which has, since 1977, informed and educated the profession on important work in history, bibliography, and preservation. The Chronicle is currently released four times a year. Section legacy is honored annually too, when members select a recipient of the Susan Swartzburg Preservation Award. Swartzburg, a pioneer in the NJLA Preservation Section, educated and influenced a generation of archivists and librarians. She was a renowned leader who advocated for preservation. This award ties her spirit of excellence with the notable achievements of a contemporary leader in the field.

H&P meets at least three times a year, where we maintain our cohesiveness, discuss initiatives, and share news on happenings within our institutions and communities. Attending meetings plugs you into the latest practices and outreach efforts of your peers. Often, something you hear will provide inspiration or insights for work at your library. For instance, when my library received a $12,000 grant requiring us to create a lecture series on common heritage, because of my H&P participation, suitable presenters immediately came to mind. Our meeting dates usually allow for the addition of an educational experience. Over the years, we have toured archives and local history collections, attended lectures and hands-on workshops, and visited notable historical sites, such as Liberty Hall, Lambert Castle, and Morristown National Historical Park. The history buff in me was most delighted to view up close the American Revolution treasures on display for us at Morristown!

H&P plays an ongoing role in NJLA’s professional development efforts. Our most important “business” is creating and coordinating specialized programs for the Annual Conference. Whether it's digitization, genealogy, house histories, or oral histories, we have successfully run programs bringing insights into these topics. Additionally, we have raised awareness of important local history books by sponsoring author discussions. While some of our presentations require outside help, many of them give members a forum for contributing their knowledge and experience. Between conference dates, H&P sponsors professional development events for librarians who want to get up to speed with local history issues. Recently, we held lectures on archival collections management, copyright, and architectural styles of buildings. Beyond our home-grown efforts, we connect members with educational opportunities offered by our partners in the history and archives fields.

At my library, I’ve become the local history and genealogy specialist at the reference desk — work I love doing, with many rewarding patron interactions. I couldn’t have attained this level of expertise without the experiences I’ve enjoyed participating in the History & Preservation Section. If you are new to us, come see what you’ve been missing. You will be glad you did! 
 

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By Adriana Mamay
NJLA Executive Board Member-at-Large
Reference and Instruction Librarian, Middlesex County College

My path to librarianship was serendipitous. I attended Rutgers University as an undergraduate, and despite spending countless hours in Alexander Library and the Art Library, I never thought about the path the librarians I interacted with took to become professionals in their field. After earning my Bachelor’s, I moved to the East Village to attend New York University (NYU) and earn an MA in History. This was partly because of a lifelong interest in history, and also because of a pre-Obamacare need to be enrolled in school so I could stay on my parents’ health insurance. During my first semester in grad school, a classmate told me about the dual degree program she was enrolled in. She was earning an MA in History from NYU while simultaneously earning an MS in Library and Information Science from Long Island University. She described it as the perfect way to delve deeper into a discipline of interest while also earning a practical degree tied to career opportunities. I agreed, applied, and enrolled. By my second semester in graduate school, I was working toward both degrees. 

I attended school during the Great Recession and graduated into a climate with very few entry-level employment opportunities. While searching for a full-time position, however, I had multiple memorable and impactful experiences that enlivened my passion for librarianship. During and immediately after completing my MS in Library and Information Science degree, I interned at the Library of Congress Rare Book and Special Collections Division, the Ukrainian Institute of America, and NYU’s Bobst Library. I was a Project Archivist at Rutgers University Special Collections and University Archives and an Archival Processor at Rutgers Law Library and the National Association of Jewish Chaplains. I began at Middlesex County College in September 2011 as a part-time Reference and Instruction Librarian and took up a full-time position in the same role the following year. In 2017 I was promoted to the rank of Assistant Professor and granted tenure. 

My first experience in NJLA was in 2013 on the Executive Board of the College and University Section, which is also the New Jersey chapter of the Association of College and Research Libraries (NJLA CUS/ACRL-NJ). There were many acronyms to familiarize myself with, but my greatest takeaway was how dedicated, friendly, and collegial everyone was. To this day, I am impressed with everything NJLA is able to accomplish as a volunteer-based organization. Since then, I’ve served on the NJLA Professional Development Committee and the NJLA Conference Committee, where I also served as co-chair. I was elected to the NJLA Executive Board in 2019 and serve as the Academic Member-at-Large. In this capacity, I represent New Jersey’s college and university librarians and ensure that our unique voices are heard. Additionally, I am the Honors and Awards liaison between NJLA CUS/ACRL-NJ and the NJLA Honors and Awards Committee. Academic librarians are exclusively eligible for four annual NJLA Awards, and I strive to ensure that my extremely accomplished peers are recognized and appreciated by the wider NJ library community.

I truly believe in the united mission of every librarian to guide students and the public toward success in their academic and personal pursuits. NJLA represents and advocates for all librarians. I strive to make sure this truth becomes even more of a reality. In addition to expanding my career and leadership horizons, my involvement in NJLA has introduced me to trusted colleagues who have become cherished friends, and for that, I will always be grateful to this organization. I strongly encourage everyone to trust in serendipity, and become involved in NJLA. 
 

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Professional Development Tips From Your Peers

By Cassie Runkel-Mechler
Youth Services Librarian

My heart has been continuously breaking since storytime was removed from my daily routine due to lockdown and COVID-19. This has been a painful experience for many of us who spent many hours carefully planning songs and rhymes, choosing books and props, learning about our communities and audiences, and adapting to the intricacies of early childhood. During times when I’ve faced deep personal strife, a room full of babies was my solace, stitching up my broken heart one thread at a time. Parents and caregivers became close acquaintances. I’ve been devastated for almost 10 months.

Sometime toward the end of March, I turned to digital audiobooks. Some part of my very existence, the ways in which I walk through the world, shifted. I would listen during long walks in the sunshine, while baking bread (ever the trendsetter, I started in November 2019), on short drives to only the most essential places. While I enjoyed many middle-grade fiction titles, much of my reading-via-listening consisted of works by author and researcher Brené Brown, as well as nonfiction titles in the realm of anti-racism. I can recall walking through my neighborhood, spring blooming, and audibly gasping at some of the truths about racism and power that I had not quite grasped until they were put into words by Ibram X. Kendi, Ijeoma Oluo, and Brittney Cooper. I was shocked while driving and learning, for the first time, about the seriousness and complexities of a bone marrow transplant in Elizabeth Lesser’s Marrow. 

But here we are: back to books. Yes, we have virtual programming opportunities, YouTube videos, and “take and make” kits which are deeply appreciated by our community. But during lockdown, a fire for middle-grade fiction was reignited inside of me. I pored through Kate DiCamillo’s Raymie Nightingale and the two works which followed. When we returned, I gushed about it all to a long-time patron and her mother. We shared about our recent favorites — she loved George by Alex Gino. A fan of fantasy was instantly intrigued when, through my mask, I book-talked Endling: The Last by Katherine Applegate.

While it would be cruel to call it a bright side, the lockdown, the pandemic, and the shift in my job duties have catapulted me back into a joy of reading (outside of a deep abiding love for picture books) that I don’t believe would have fully formed had I not had so much time; had I not desperately longed for new outlets for my imagination. Now, back in the bricks-and-mortar library full-time, I have time to more intimately understand and manage the collections in my library, and therefore will only grow deeper relationships with the readers in my community. Of this I will say: I have a complicated gratitude.

I also have gratitude for listening. To hear the voices of audiobook narrators, authors, podcasters, and interviewees. To invite these folks into my home, my car, and into my heart. With the inspiration of books and podcasts, each day I lean further into my own integrity, work harder at setting my boundaries, and rise stronger as often as I can. It is not easy, and it never will be. I’m getting to know the radical core of myself.

My lesson of lockdown, right beside “slow down,” and I cannot stress this enough: be yourself. Your whole self, your authentic self. Eat your bread and cheese (or whatever foods you love) and don’t worry about how your arms look on that YouTube storytime video: the littles will be thrilled to see you on screen. When you are weary, rest. Above all, no matter how you’re faring now and always, you’re so, so worthy. And if you’re burnt out on your screen or print, take a moment to listen.

My Pandemic Picks

Audiobooks: Nonfiction

• Rising Strong and Dare to Lead (and honestly anything) by Brené Brown
• How to be Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi
• Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You: A Remix of the National Book Award-winning Stamped from the Beginning by Ibram X. Kendi and Jason Reynolds
• Marrow: A Love Story by Elizabeth Lesser
• So, You Want to Talk About Race? by Ijeoma Oluo
• The Body Is Not an Apology: The Power of Radical Self-Love by Sonya Renee Taylor

Audiobooks: Middle-Grade Fiction

• Raymie Nightingale by Kate DiCamillo
• The Year We Fell from Space by Amy Sarig King
• From The Desk of Zoe Washington by Janae Marks
• Pax by Sara Pennypacker
• Mañanaland by Pam Muñoz Ryan
• Harbor Me by Jacqueline Woodson

Podcasts:

• Unlocking Us with Brene Brown
• KidLit These Days
• Hope, Through History

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"Well...How Did I Get Here, Pathways to Success"

By Susanne Sacchetti
Long-Time Member, New Jersey Library Association
Executive Director, LibraryLinkNJ

Well, how did I get here? It’s a long story. But, we could argue that my career as a librarian dates back to my childhood: Playing “library” with one of my cousins, stamping cut-up scraps of paper with the date and sticking them inside our picture books. It was probably around that time when I was also attending preschool in the basement of a local church, which, coincidentally, also happened to be a branch of the Atlantic County Library System.

But, when I began my Bachelor’s degree at Richard Stockton College (now Stockton University), I didn’t initially set out to pursue my “childhood career” as a librarian. Instead, I began my undergraduate career majoring in Literature and hoping to become a high school English teacher. It wasn’t until my final semester, when completing my Senior Seminar, that I realized that I had a knack for research and really enjoyed the research process, and found myself exploring librarianship as a career.

During the summer of 2002, about five or six months after graduating from Richard Stockton College, I began my Master’s degree in School and Public Librarianship at Rowan University. However, in 2003, I decided to transfer to Drexel University’s online program, due to Drexel’s ALA accreditation. I went on to graduate from Drexel University in 2005 and was an online adjunct for the iSchool from 2006 through 2011.

But I spent a lot of time, as an undergraduate, working as a substitute teacher and a before- and after-school program teacher. So, it probably is not surprising that my library career began in the schools. In fall 2002, I began my first library position — as an Associate Educational Media Specialist in the Galloway Township School District. My time was split between the four smaller schools, two of which had been schools that I attended as a child.

I spent only one year in Galloway and then the following school year in a neighboring district before deciding to pursue a career in academic librarianship. I had been working part-time at Atlantic Cape Community College while working full-time for the schools. I again found myself enjoying the research process in academia.

When a full-time position became available at the college, I decided to make the transition. I worked for Atlantic Cape Community College, first as a Library Specialist and then became a Librarian when its Cape May County Campus opened in June 2005. The Information Commons at the Cape May County Campus was my first child — until I became pregnant with my daughter in 2006/2007.

In 2012, after teaching online for the iSchool and taking some time to start a family, I decided I wanted to return to a bricks-and-mortar library. I realized the challenge it was to have your workplace and home be under the same roof, and I missed working with people, face-to-face. It was at this time that I accidentally became a Library Director. I applied and interviewed for a position as a Reference Librarian at the Deptford Free Public Library but ended up becoming its Director. 

I went on to become Director of the Cumberland County Library; and, when I applied for my current position, it was a “shot in the dark.” (I know that sounds very cliché.) I entered the process without expectation, which is probably the best advice I could ever give to anyone when applying and interviewing for a position. I realized the outcome was out of my hands (not only in God’s hands but also the Search Committee) and that, whatever the outcome, I would be where I was supposed to be.

I also realized that, if this opportunity were meant for me, I needed to trust that I had been prepared for it. I did my part to prepare for my interviews. Beyond that, I needed to trust that I was prepared through my God-given abilities and skills, through my work experiences, and through the knowledge that I had gained over the years. 

Our own abilities and skills, experiences, and knowledge account for only a small part of our success. Perhaps a larger part of our success is dependent upon the people placed in our path. You are where you are because of the people who gave you a chance at one point or another, because of the people who worked beside you/with you and helped you to grow, and because of the people who supported you and encouraged you all along the way.

I am humbled but grateful to be in my present position and am very excited about the road ahead of us at LibraryLinkNJ. I know there are many challenges ahead; but, with each of you who have been placed in my path, and those of you whom I newly encounter each day, I know that we can overcome them all together. LibraryLinkNJ, the New Jersey Library Association, and the New Jersey State Library all have some exciting things ahead of us!

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By Enola Romano
Senior Youth Services Librarian, Montclair Free Public Library

As the pandemic stretched into months I slowly came to the conclusion that the coping mechanisms that had served me well initially were no longer working. It wasn’t that yoga, meditation, and walking weren’t useful or helpful, but something was off.

At first I couldn’t articulate it at all. In my head the conversation went something like this – Q. What is wrong? A. Everything! A. OK, it’s been everything for months now – nothing is new but something is different. Q. Does yoga help? A. Hmm, not like it did earlier. Q. Is mediation helping? Yes, but it’s too solitary. Q. What about walking? A. Yes, but I’ve walked everywhere in my neighborhood, and my dog doesn’t seem to like exploring new areas. Q. Who listens to their dogs? You’re in charge. A. She gets anxious and seems afraid of getting lost. Why would I purposefully make my dog anxious?

I was in this space for a while but slowly figured out things that seemed to help.

I brought mindfulness to my daily walks. I don’t recall what inspired me to try this technique – for a very short introduction read this article by Mark Bertin – it turns out that I really connected with the visual aspect. With practice I began to see new things even on the blocks that I walk eight or more times a day. I’ve often stopped to randomly take a picture; now it’s something I do frequently – perhaps not on every walk but more often than not.

I committed to regularly meditating with others by joining a virtual community that used to happen in person but conflicted with my work schedule. This is one time that the pandemic’s disruption of my work schedule has actually been useful – now I’m home in time! I’ve been surprised at how much I benefit from meditating with others. It helps me be accountable, it’s inspiring, I can meditate for longer periods of time, and I’m also more grounded in both my meditation practice and in life in general. The Awake Network has a listing of Free Online Meditation Resources for Times of Social Distancing / COVID-19 that might be helpful if you’re new to meditation or are looking for a meditation community. Mindful Leader has a similar listing here, and you can sign up for their free drop-in group meditations here.

After reflecting about these subtle but life-altering changes I recognized part of what wasn’t working for me. I was missing joy and meaningful connections with others. This prompted me to consider ways to add more joy – mindfulness walks are a start but I needed to build on that. I decided to join Instagram with my own twist – keeping it joyful. I started by considering what made me happy – reading poetry (even if the subject of the poetry was not); walking in gardens, parks, and forests; listening to music; watching dance; looking at art; and traveling. I selected a limited number of Instagram accounts to follow*, knowing I could stop following them if the posts weren’t making me smile or remaining manageable and stress-free.

Lastly, I began to share photographs taken on my daily walks. I initially wanted to share one daily but I decided to post whenever I’m inspired. Surprisingly, I also discovered that I had completely overlooked another thing that brings me joy – cooking! So now you’ll find a mixture of photos. No judgment on my part – I’ll share whatever makes me smile if only to inspire me to smile when I need it.

*Visit my Instagram (@romanoenola) to see what I’m currently following.

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Virtual Library Toolbox: Creative & Brave Spaces

"Beneath everyone’s skin are the same hard bones." – Let’s Talk About Race by Julius Lester

By Eun Hye Jun
Intern for the NJLA College & University Section

Right before winter break, I attended the Virtual Library Toolbox: Courageous & Brave Spaces hosted by the NJLA Young Adult Services Section and the Librarians of Color Roundtable. Over 45 people attended, and it was my first time participating in the Toolbox Talk as an intern. The speaker was Elizabeth Williams-Riley, who is an award-winning Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) expert and founder of D.A.S.H. Consulting, LLC. She introduced detailed communication guidelines for the brave spaces, “where we overcome our fear, lean into our discomfort, and engage one another truthfully for the purposes of learning, personal change, and social transformation.” She also described the four levels of engagement, which are individual, interpersonal, group, and organizational. Additionally, she emphasized that we need to change the cycle of socialization, which strengthens the assumptions of structural oppression, and become an ally. 

This program helped me to unlearn and rethink some of my prior misconceptions. I was also able to redefine the meanings of the words equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), which I had known by the words themselves, but I did not understand socially and interrelatedly. Misinterpretations of each term can cause both intentional and unintentional mistakes. EDI cannot be achieved without taking an active part and doing your part. The awareness of EDI can change relationships, redefine systems, and further change society as a whole. In that sense, this workshop can help someone avoid making mistakes, encourage people to become close allies of the colleagues who need them, and give people the courage to speak out when they need help. Also, I believe that it can help us make better decisions after mistakes. Responding differently to mistakes can change communities, relationships, organizations, and our future. 

The official meeting was about two hours long, followed by an active discussion. If the presentation was about making courageous and brave spaces in general settings, the discussion after the official time focused on the library settings that librarians encounter. Everyone in the meeting was enthusiastic about trying to apply the concepts and guidelines from the presentation to the library field. All of the participants discussed how to make a change in their positions and how to help others who have concerns and struggles. As a future librarian myself, it was a very proud and respectful moment to look at the current librarians who are not complacent and who are trying to create better library communities.

There is a great opportunity to think about all kinds of discrimination around us once again. Especially, when thinking that a library is a place that people who have a variety of social, economic, and physical statuses can come to, it is very important for librarians to be aware of diversity, equity, and inclusion. I gained knowledge and awareness from the speaker’s presentation. Also, I became proud of being a librarian in the future and was able to confirm the possibility of change through the discussion.

We should not be afraid to start “small.” Even students or those who are not in leadership positions can make a difference by sharing the concepts discussed in this workshop or discussing the concepts of EDI. If you, who are reading this now, think about equity and diversity issues through this article, I am helping to make a difference.