by
Wed, May 04 2016 02:48:20

#critlib chat: emotional labor

Storify of the #critlib chat from 5/2/2016 on emotional labor, moderated by @lettersfromvani. For more information about #critlib, including past & future chats, see http://critlib.org

  1. [Borrowing from @oksveta's disclaimer: I attempted to include all of the relevant tweets from the chat and put them together. Retweets, favorites, & tweets without the hashtag are omitted on purpose. Misreadings and all other mistakes are all my own.]

  2. Readings

  3. Wingfield, Adia Harvey. “How ‘Service With a Smile’ Takes a Toll on Women.” The Atlantic 26 Jan. 2016. (Trigger warning: specific descriptions of workplace racism and misogyny)
  4. Accardi, Maria. “Emotional Labor and Library Instruction.” Librarian Burnout. April 23, 2015.

  5. Introductions

  6. lettersfromvani
    vani@lettersfromvani
    #critlib conversation begins now! let's get started with introductions.
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:00:07
  7. lettersfromvani
    vani@lettersfromvani
    hi #critlib! vani here. i'm a librarian at barnard college in nyc.
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:01:32
  8. lettersfromvani
    vani@lettersfromvani
    also #critlib, so excited to see people joining the conversation! pls feel free to join whenever you can
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:08:28
  9. PoorCharlotte
    Charlotte E. Price@PoorCharlotte
    Hi #critlib! Charlotte, academic librarian tuning in from NYC!
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:01:45
  10. violetbfox
    Violet Fox@violetbfox
    Hi #critlib, I'm an academic library cataloger in Minnesota. You can find all readings & questions for today at  http://critlib.org/emotional-labor/ …
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:02:05
  11. paigecmorgan
    Paige Morgan@paigecmorgan
    Hello, #critlib! I'm Paige, & I'm a digital humanities librarian at the University of Miami.
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:02:47
  12. zinelib
    Jenna Freedman@zinelib
    Another @barnlib-brarian here! #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:03:10
  13. sofiayleung
    Sofia Leung@sofiayleung
    Hi #critlib! Academic librarian in Lawrence, KS.
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:03:14
  14. mishiebhat
    Nimisha Bhat@mishiebhat
    Hey #critlib! I'm a cataloger and instruction lib in Ohio - very excited for today's discussion.
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:03:23
  15. preater
    Andrew Preater@preater
    Hello #critlib... I'm Andrew, working in higher ed in the UK and mainly going to listen and learn today.
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:03:33
  16. OpOnions
    Netanel Ganin@OpOnions
    hey #CritLib - I'm Netanel a cataloger in Boston, tryna keep an eye on some cataloging while an eye watches here too
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:03:44
  17. zoh_zoh
    prof. zoh@zoh_zoh
    ahoy #critlib -- I'm Zoe (Zoh-ee), she/her/hers, a community college librarian from Tacoma, Washington (near Seattle).
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:03:55
  18. terrainsvagues
    Nicky Agⓐte@terrainsvagues
    Hi #critlib! I’m Nicky, project manager for digital initiatives (inc. disciplinary repository) at the MLA in NYC.
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:04:15
  19. amndw2
    Amanda Watson@amndw2
    Hi #critlib! I’m Amanda, academic librarian in New York (and multitasking right now, so I may just lurk in this conversation).
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:04:21
  20. MetadataCatalog
    MetadataCataloger@MetadataCatalog
    Hi #critlib - academic librarian from Michigan
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:04:27
  21. gonesquirrelly
    Jennifer@gonesquirrelly
    Looking forward to this! Lurking from an academic setting #critlib!
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:04:39
  22. yo_bj
    Becky Yoose@yo_bj
    Hi #critlib - Public librarian from the Land of Coffee and Grunge who will be lurking today.
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:05:39
  23. adammizelle
    Adam Mizelle@adammizelle
    Hello #critlib! Adam -Philly area academic librarian. Looking forward to this.
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:06:54
  24. AcornElectric
    Amanda M Meeks@AcornElectric
    Hello #critlib! Amanda, research and instruction librarian in Atlanta, GA
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:07:09
  25. foureyedsoul
    Ryan P. Randall@foureyedsoul
    Hi #critlib! I'm Ryan, an instruction & outreach lib at a comm. coll. of about 18,500 students in Boise area. Also might have to lurk today.
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:07:47
  26. ifrank
    ifrank@ifrank
    #critlib Hi! An academic librarian here in Tampa.Looking forward to hearing about emotional labor ideas!
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:08:06
  27. diannelibrarian
    Dianne@diannelibrarian
    Hi #critlib! Dianne, Social Sciences R&I Librarian, looking forward!
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:08:11
  28. ArchivistSariM
    Sari C Mauro@ArchivistSariM
    Hi, #critlib -- Archivist in Boston, lurking for today!
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:08:24
  29. nicholae
    Nicholae Cline@nicholae
    heya #critlib! i'm the scholarly services/media & gender studies librarian at iub. he/him & she/her pronouns. busy monday, possibly lurking
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:08:36
  30. alchism15
    Ashlee Chism@alchism15
    Hi, #critlib. Lurking. (Discovered the hashtag through someone I follow, so I'm definitely lurking today).
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:12:32
  31. rjgp29
    Reed Garber-Pearson@rjgp29
    hey #critlib will be poppin in and out today. I'm Reed, LIS student doing ref & inst in acad libs.
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:14:26
  32. twothrasherave
    Nick Ferreira@twothrasherave
    sup #critlib - lurking for most part today :) ref & instruction Chicago
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:16:54

  33. Questions

  34. Q1. What does emotional labor look like (and feel like)?
  35. lettersfromvani
    vani@lettersfromvani
    Q1: What does emotional labor look like (and feel like)? #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:07:28
  36. zoh_zoh
    prof. zoh@zoh_zoh
    A1: for me, emotional labor feels like the expectation/burden that I should be maternal and doting with students #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:09:20
  37. PoorCharlotte
    Charlotte E. Price@PoorCharlotte
    A1: Having to always appear pleasant, cheerful, and ignore harassment and rudeness. "Service with a smile." #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:09:32
  38. zoh_zoh
    prof. zoh@zoh_zoh
    A1: emotional labor also means explaining that the library is a classroom, not a customer service point, over and over again #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:09:54
  39. paigecmorgan
    Paige Morgan@paigecmorgan
    #critlib Q1: in my case, it involves helping people navigate process of learning new skills/tools (which don't always work the 1st time)
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:09:56
  40. zoh_zoh
    prof. zoh@zoh_zoh
    A1: I regularly reject models of assessment/training that frame the library as a customer service, "library services" makes me itch #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:10:27
  41. zoh_zoh
    prof. zoh@zoh_zoh
    A1: the time an older male student called me a "good girl" for formatting a citation correctly, and I just had to smile/laugh. #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:10:57
  42. AcornElectric
    Amanda M Meeks@AcornElectric
    A1: In lib* it looks "friendly, approachable and helpful" in all scenarios (i.e. "customer" service) #critlib  https://twitter.com/lettersfromvani/status/727197831438696450 …
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:11:02
  43. mishiebhat
    Nimisha Bhat@mishiebhat
    A1. In relation to work culture, it tends to force one to nod and smile and look past all discomfort in order to "get the job done" #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:11:34
  44. terrainsvagues
    Nicky Agⓐte@terrainsvagues
    A1: Interpersonal interactions that make me go to bed angry/sad and wake up with a knot in my stomach #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:11:40
  45. terrainsvagues
    Nicky Agⓐte@terrainsvagues
    But also A1, the energy/euphoria that comes from positive interactions and true collaboration #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:15:17
  46. paigecmorgan
    Paige Morgan@paigecmorgan
    #critlib A1: also, helping people feel like their investment on a project is worthwhile (or being supportive if they decide that it's not).
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:12:18
  47. zinelib
    Jenna Freedman@zinelib
    #critlib A1: sometimes #emotionallabor can be not flipping out when you feel trampled or disrespected, but maybe that's not the worst thing?
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:12:20
  48. paigecmorgan
    Paige Morgan@paigecmorgan
    I think it depends on how often you have to do it. Or whether your jobis keeping other people from doing so #critlib  https://twitter.com/zinelib/status/727199056200527872 …
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:15:19
  49. gonesquirrelly
    Jennifer@gonesquirrelly
    #critlib A1. having to smile as lib admin piles on the work and when I object b/c unable to do it all, smile through the negative backlash
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:12:38
  50. sofiayleung
    Sofia Leung@sofiayleung
    A1: being one of the few faces & voices of "diversity" while having to look happy to be here. (1/2) #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:12:45
  51. lettersfromvani
    vani@lettersfromvani
    @sofiayleung i feel this pressure so much #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:17:53
  52. nicholae
    Nicholae Cline@nicholae
    @sofiayleung this resonates with me. trying to not only "represent" but also create change, when this is often seen as antagonistic #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:22:11
  53. adammizelle
    Adam Mizelle@adammizelle
    A1: Having to make time for patrons who clearly need of someone to talk to, even though you're not a therapist. #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:13:18
  54. zoh_zoh
    prof. zoh@zoh_zoh
    @adammizelle yes, I get this a lot. being an ear for someone who just needs to vent even tho I want to crawl under the desk & hide. #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:16:57
  55. violetbfox
    Violet Fox@violetbfox
    A1. Part of emotional labor involved in librarianship is having to justify one's existence constantly--always "at your service". #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:13:32
  56. nicholae
    Nicholae Cline@nicholae
    a1.1: it feels fulfilling and mobilizing and solitary and exhausting. sometimes simultaneously, but also sometimes not. #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:13:46
  57. nicholae
    Nicholae Cline@nicholae
    a1.2: as for how it looks? sometimes it just looks like trying, even when it isn't easy or comfortable (or immediately possible) #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:14:53
  58. amndw2
    Amanda Watson@amndw2
    A1. A lot of the time, for me, it’s making sure that students (and faculty!) don’t feel stupid for asking a question. #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:14:23
  59. zoh_zoh
    prof. zoh@zoh_zoh
    @amndw2 exactly. lots and lots and lots of emotional soothing/petting/reassurance/pep talks/mitigating library anxiety. #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:15:00
  60. amndw2
    Amanda Watson@amndw2
    A1 but sometimes it’s also refraining from getting visibly upset on the (rare) occasions when patrons are rude or condescending. #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:15:53
  61. amndw2
    Amanda Watson@amndw2
    A1 cont’d: sometimes emotional labor feels like soothing other ppl’s anxieties and stresses w/o anyone soothing mine. #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:23:32
  62. AcornElectric
    Amanda M Meeks@AcornElectric
    It feels good to offer sincere, interpersonal support to students who need it but when it is forced it does not feel so good. #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:15:59
  63. diannelibrarian
    Dianne@diannelibrarian
    A1 Service above self...Emotionally taking the job home at night. #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:16:02
  64. zoh_zoh
    prof. zoh@zoh_zoh
    A1: saying yes to library instruction requests with little/no notice, teaching w/o knowing the assignment, winging it. #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:16:14
  65. AcornElectric
    Amanda M Meeks@AcornElectric
    @zoh_zoh I have drawn a line in how much I will do this for the sake of self-preservation. #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:17:36
  66. zinelib
    Jenna Freedman@zinelib
    Haha--yes! I'm glad to get these requests most of the time, but they do cost me something psychically. #critlib  https://twitter.com/zoh_zoh/status/727200039001423872 …
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:18:46
  67. foureyedsoul
    Ryan P. Randall@foureyedsoul
    A1 For me, emotional labor often looks / feels like adopting an "intercessor" role btw students & faculty, for better & for worse. #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:18:03
  68. lettersfromvani
    vani@lettersfromvani
    A1 emotional labor can feel confusing, nearly imperceptible, some of what i find most fulfilling about work is emotional labor #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:18:32
  69. PoorCharlotte
    Charlotte E. Price@PoorCharlotte
    @lettersfromvani Yes! I really love advising students, having them ask non-library questions, but it's also technically not my job. #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:18:05
  70. zoh_zoh
    prof. zoh@zoh_zoh
    A1: feeling like I have to say yes to whatever is asked of me, being positive/energetic/friendly (my rep as the FUN librarian) #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:18:16
  71. diannelibrarian
    Dianne@diannelibrarian
    This!! Most of the time the fun comes easily but other times, not so much #critlib  https://twitter.com/zoh_zoh/status/727200548726829056 …
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:20:08
  72. rjgp29
    Reed Garber-Pearson@rjgp29
    A1. Emotional labor part of my feminist praxis-holistically view of patron- complicated by gender dynamics and service expectations #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:18:30
  73. paigecmorgan
    Paige Morgan@paigecmorgan
    A1: Emotional labor feels very fulfilling (to me) much of the time -- in part b/c my supervisor acknowledges that I do it. #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:18:47
  74. rjgp29
    Reed Garber-Pearson@rjgp29
    A1. Labor may take on neg meaning, but I choose emotional work cause it's real. Finding balance & boundaries challenging part. #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:21:14
  75. mishiebhat
    Nimisha Bhat@mishiebhat
    A1. The emotional labor I take on is mostly fulfilling, but frustrating bc it's hard to put into tangible data to support myself #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:24:03
  76. klmccook
    Librarian, AFT 7463@klmccook
    #critlib. Is this a first world problem? Help here where pain of indoor work will be less and u can help..  http://gradelevelreading.net/ 
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:18:47
  77. zoh_zoh
    prof. zoh@zoh_zoh
    @klmccook Not sure I understand your use of phrase "first world problem" - can you explain? #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:19:55
  78. ifrank
    ifrank@ifrank
    @klmccook Hey! Hi! First world? Hmmm... say more! I know some undocumented wrkrs who have to put up with a lot from bosses #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:24:50
  79. klmccook
    Librarian, AFT 7463@klmccook
    @zoh_zoh Homelessness. Families of people in jail. Children w/o food security in summer. Maybe public librarians engage. #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:24:15
  80. klmccook
    Librarian, AFT 7463@klmccook
    @zoh_zoh not ok to see topic as self-interested when many we serve have pain? is this academic only? thinking of public libraries #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:36:03
  81. zoh_zoh
    prof. zoh@zoh_zoh
    @klmccook I don't think anyone here is ranking our pain as greater than the pain of those we serve. Sorry you see it as such. #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:37:17
  82. gonesquirrelly
    Jennifer@gonesquirrelly
    @klmccook @zoh_zoh Emotional labour incl individs forced to work on behalf of disenfranchised ppl when #neolib govts won't #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:40:33
  83. edrabinski
    Emily Drabinski@edrabinski
    @klmccook @zoh_zoh Seems like emotional labor even more of an issue in publics. Sure was when I worked in one. #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:40:45
  84. klmccook
    Librarian, AFT 7463@klmccook
    @zoh_zoh A citrus migrant worker once told me, I thought a roof would solve all my ills. Can't forget that when challenges mount. #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:40:59
  85. zoh_zoh
    prof. zoh@zoh_zoh
    @klmccook Discussing emotional labor & its toll doesn't discount the challenges faced by patrons, nor does it make us ungrateful. #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:42:12
  86. edrabinski
    Emily Drabinski@edrabinski
    @klmccook I think these claims can be made w/o reducing other people's issues/concerns to "whining." #critlib @zoh_zoh
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:46:10
  87. klmccook
    Librarian, AFT 7463@klmccook
    @gonesquirrelly @zoh_zoh You are right. Unionize and stand up to t neo-liberals. More people to help. #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:42:46
  88. lettersfromvani
    vani@lettersfromvani
    @edrabinski @klmccook @zoh_zoh yes--- this resonates with me from the few years i worked at the public library. #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:42:46
  89. edrabinski
    Emily Drabinski@edrabinski
    @klmccook @zoh_zoh Rltd to lib as last publicly funded space w heat/light/bathroom? EL demands would drop if state did not abandon? #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:43:04
  90. klmccook
    Librarian, AFT 7463@klmccook
    @edrabinski @zoh_zoh Yes, need to be working on advocacy so more services provided. Hook up with 2-1-1. #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:45:00
  91. edrabinski
    Emily Drabinski@edrabinski
    @klmccook I certainly agree organized labor is critical. & with that, off to a strike authorization vote! #solidarity #critlib @zoh_zoh
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:46:52
  92. gonesquirrelly
    Jennifer@gonesquirrelly
    @klmccook @zoh_zoh Higher Ed is largest unionized population in Canada now. Damn lucky and know it. Need to stop the marketization. #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:48:24
  93. Q2. Is emotional labor part of your work, and if so, how? Is it part of your colleagues/coworkers’ work?
  94. lettersfromvani
    vani@lettersfromvani
    Q2 Is emotional labor part of your work, and if so, how? Is it part of your colleagues' + coworkers’ work? #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:19:42
  95. lettersfromvani
    vani@lettersfromvani
    @lettersfromvani #critlib maybe the first question covered this already though!
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:23:29
  96. PoorCharlotte
    Charlotte E. Price@PoorCharlotte
    A2 I think so - we work so closely with students & faculty when asking for help. That's tough for some to do. 1/2 #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:22:07
  97. PoorCharlotte
    Charlotte E. Price@PoorCharlotte
    A2 ..and often can require a lot of reassurance, patience, and dealing with unexpected stresses 2/2 #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:22:58
  98. violetbfox
    Violet Fox@violetbfox
    @PoorCharlotte I don't think people realize that that will be so much of job. Is is possible to prep LIS students/new librarians? #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:25:14
  99. lettersfromvani
    vani@lettersfromvani
    @violetbfox @PoorCharlotte Good question! I also wonder how systems of mutual support can be sustained, across divisions too #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:26:55
  100. PoorCharlotte
    Charlotte E. Price@PoorCharlotte
    @violetbfox @lettersfromvani and how do we prep them without just terrifying them? That's an issue I struggle with, too. #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:27:46
  101. marccold
    MARCinaColdClimate@marccold
    @PoorCharlotte @violetbfox @lettersfromvani Would've appreciated something on when to refer to professional help-I struggle w/that. #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:33:30
  102. zoh_zoh
    prof. zoh@zoh_zoh
    A2 I feel like emotional labor is more present at the Reference Desk rather than the library classroom. #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:22:47
  103. paigecmorgan
    Paige Morgan@paigecmorgan
    #critlib A2: Yes, EL is often central to digihum librarianship, b/c DH is so tied in w/ helping people change/adapt to changing conditions.
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:23:15
  104. paigecmorgan
    Paige Morgan@paigecmorgan
    #critlib A2: But not everyone I work with sees emotional labor as part of my job: instead, they think students/faculty ought to "toughen up"
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:28:15
  105. paigecmorgan
    Paige Morgan@paigecmorgan
    #critlib A2: Unfortunately, that sort of bootstrap mentality often contributes 2 more anxiety & just creates a need for more emotional labor
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:29:15
  106. zoh_zoh
    prof. zoh@zoh_zoh
    A2 in front of a classroom, I feel more permission to be authoritative, seen as expert, demand respect. #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:23:17
  107. gonesquirrelly
    Jennifer@gonesquirrelly
    #critlib having to fulfill someone else's perception of what librarian does before can tackle who I want to be re: my profession
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:23:52
  108. zoh_zoh
    prof. zoh@zoh_zoh
    A2 at the Ref Desk, I'm expected to be the answer-giver, article-finder, topic-chooser, and all around calm listener. #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:24:07
  109. yo_bj
    Becky Yoose@yo_bj
    A2 #critlib Being a manager incorporates emotional labor on multiple levels. 1 level is acknowledging/recognizing staff emotional labor 1/n
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:24:44
  110. yo_bj
    Becky Yoose@yo_bj
    A2 #critlib 2/n Another level is doing emotional labor with staff and library users - essentially treating your staff + patrons like humans
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:25:40
  111. PoorCharlotte
    Charlotte E. Price@PoorCharlotte
    A2 one of the reasons I went into acad. librarianship vs. public was seeing the emotional toll on my mom (30+ years city library) #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:25:24
  112. nicholae
    Nicholae Cline@nicholae
    a2: definitely part of my practice even if not outlined in my job description. wouldn't it be nice if support and care were valued? #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:25:30
  113. rjgp29
    Reed Garber-Pearson@rjgp29
    A2. Huge diff in EL btw working in R1 & comm coll libs. R1 less personal, invested in seeing student through entire journey. #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:25:40
  114. zoh_zoh
    prof. zoh@zoh_zoh
    @rjgp29 Do community colleges seem like they're not invested in "seeing student through entire journey"? Can you elaborate? #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:26:16
  115. rjgp29
    Reed Garber-Pearson@rjgp29
    A2. At comm coll lib, get to know students fully, get invested. Students arrive with so many barriers. Lib safe place for support. #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:28:15
  116. AcornElectric
    Amanda M Meeks@AcornElectric
    It's part of mine & my colleagues work to varying degrees; a feminist/holistic approach to wrking w/stdents #critlib  https://twitter.com/lettersfromvani/status/727200910007504896 …
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:27:15
  117. AcornElectric
    Amanda M Meeks@AcornElectric
    A2: I also welcome emotional labor because I realize not all students have adequate support from elsewhere #critlib #iwasthatstudent
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:28:53
  118. mishiebhat
    Nimisha Bhat@mishiebhat
    A2. EL manifests for me as always being available for students/faculty, and often going home still thinking of solutions to ?'s #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:28:04
  119. mishiebhat
    Nimisha Bhat@mishiebhat
    A2.2 Behind the scenes EL is me navigating coworkers' emotions - hard bc even if I give support I'm not always getting it in return #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:30:05
  120. gonesquirrelly
    Jennifer@gonesquirrelly
    #critlib A2 Libns Research Institute says 80% libns one type. I'm not that type plus trained in special libraries=stressors.
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:28:07
  121. violetbfox
    Violet Fox@violetbfox
    @gonesquirrelly "One type" meaning type of library? Or? #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:29:18
  122. gonesquirrelly
    Jennifer@gonesquirrelly
    @violetbfox #critlib Meyer's Briggs type
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:31:30
  123. gonesquirrelly
    Jennifer@gonesquirrelly
    #critlib A2 lib admin keep comparing libns to their preferred model of academic libn and value accordingly=stressors=conform.
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:30:42
  124. zinelib
    Jenna Freedman@zinelib
    #critlib A2 I think emotional labor is part of all of our work, and we're all doing it, some more visibly/successfully than others, tho?
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:28:56
  125. lettersfromvani
    vani@lettersfromvani
    @zinelib I agree! I also feel that there are disparities in whose emotional labor gets recognized/ how it is valued (and by whom) #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:31:09
  126. paigecmorgan
    Paige Morgan@paigecmorgan
    I think part of challenge is that not everyone is familiar w/ the concept; and that makes it even harder. #critlib  https://twitter.com/zinelib/status/727203235342221314 …
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:31:24
  127. paigecmorgan
    Paige Morgan@paigecmorgan
    The training part is hard. My PhD experience helps me a lot, but obvs not reasonable to suggest PhD as training for doing EL! #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:33:39
  128. rjgp29
    Reed Garber-Pearson@rjgp29
    @lettersfromvani @zinelib I see libs of color often judged for not being as "emotional" as white libs in workplace. Expectations. #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:33:36
  129. nicholae
    Nicholae Cline@nicholae
    @rjgp29 @lettersfromvani @zinelib or being too emotional or not displaying/performing the "right" emotions. walking that line is EL #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:37:43
  130. gonesquirrelly
    Jennifer@gonesquirrelly
    @paigecmorgan @zinelib #critlib emotional labour by its very designation requires power differential and we perceive are at losing end
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:35:30
  131. rjgp29
    Reed Garber-Pearson@rjgp29
    @lettersfromvani @zinelib Maybe has to do with workplace culture and how POC or othered identities expected to conform #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:41:40
  132. diannelibrarian
    Dianne@diannelibrarian
    A2 Particularly in Ref interactions, hard because I truly care deeply abt students but taking on all their stresses takes a toll #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:29:04
  133. marccold
    MARCinaColdClimate@marccold
    A2. Listening is def part of being a CW & student supervisor. And it's exhausting, esp when everyone around you is burning out. #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:31:27
  134. gonesquirrelly
    Jennifer@gonesquirrelly
    #critlib A2 point of #emotionallabor is to create precarity in order to control, conform, deskill, marketize...so my cynical side says...
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:33:35
  135. Q3. What are implicit and explicit expectations around the kinds of emotional labor library/archival/info workers do (and how do these relate to intersections of power and privilege)?
  136. lettersfromvani
    vani@lettersfromvani
    Q3. What are implicit and explicit expectations re: kinds of emotional labor library/archival/info workers do (1/2) #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:32:31
  137. lettersfromvani
    vani@lettersfromvani
    Q3 (2/2) And how do these relate to intersections of power and privilege? #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:33:04
  138. diannelibrarian
    Dianne@diannelibrarian
    A3 Expectation to be always "on" in ref or lib classroom; "strong customer service skills" = customer always right: smile! #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:36:57
  139. diannelibrarian
    Dianne@diannelibrarian
    A3.2 Find emotional labor to be very feminized - expectation for women to be caregivers/maternal esp WoC #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:41:25
  140. PoorCharlotte
    Charlotte E. Price@PoorCharlotte
    A3 I've seen a lot of added emotional labor added to women & libs of color. Class background can add more, too. #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:38:47
  141. lettersfromvani
    vani@lettersfromvani
    A3 Also thinking about the emotional labor that people using the library do when confronted w/ structure of library #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:39:29
  142. gonesquirrelly
    Jennifer@gonesquirrelly
    #critlib True! Had forgotten. Students in own countries where not allowed in stacks, no clue re: LC, etc...  https://twitter.com/lettersfromvani/status/727205891020345345 …
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:44:40
  143. gonesquirrelly
    Jennifer@gonesquirrelly
    #critlib Also those not comfortable asking certain Qs based on culture, personal experience, etc.  https://twitter.com/lettersfromvani/status/727205891020345345 …
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:45:28
  144. mishiebhat
    Nimisha Bhat@mishiebhat
    A3. In big libs, sometimes told to "avoid emotion" bc it's a "HR issue"; in small institutions, making sure we "act like a family" #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:39:59
  145. mishiebhat
    Nimisha Bhat@mishiebhat
    @mishiebhat A3.2 Often it's people of power/privilege ignoring the emotional needs of others because it's considered low priority #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:41:53
  146. zinelib
    Jenna Freedman@zinelib
    #critlib A3: expectations around emotional labor are definitely impacted by race & gender, ability, etc., by laborers & beneficiaries.
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:41:25
  147. marccold
    MARCinaColdClimate@marccold
    A3. IME expectations tend to be very different for m-ID and f-ID workers (although one of the most EL-performing at MPOW is a man). #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:41:06
  148. paigecmorgan
    Paige Morgan@paigecmorgan
    A3: People sometimes refer to emotional work I do as "handholding" for others, emphasizing power diff b/c people "need" support. #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:43:36
  149. zinelib
    Jenna Freedman@zinelib
    Yes! Different people are different--have different needs, perceive things differently. #critlib  https://twitter.com/paigecmorgan/status/727206923217584129 …
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:44:56
  150. gonesquirrelly
    Jennifer@gonesquirrelly
    #critlib ppl need support=marketization/commodification, you need something we have, can create $$ value for it...  https://twitter.com/zinelib/status/727207259533660160 …
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:50:16
  151. zoh_zoh
    prof. zoh@zoh_zoh
    A3 I think I'm seen as the least emotional of my colleagues. I don't keep tissue in my office for students to use. #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:43:38
  152. gonesquirrelly
    Jennifer@gonesquirrelly
    Is #emotionallabor even a choice? Can we choose to disengage? #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:43:44
  153. ifrank
    ifrank@ifrank
    @gonesquirrelly So conformity = controlling our emotions? Would it be better to act out, be grumpy if we felt grumpy? #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:43:53
  154. amndw2
    Amanda Watson@amndw2
    A3: I think there’s an assumption that women (ie most libns) will automatically know how to *do* emotional labor, & be good at it. #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:43:48
  155. zoh_zoh
    prof. zoh@zoh_zoh
    yes. I feel judged negatively when I'm less emotional, more removed, or advocate for keeping a distance. #critlib  https://twitter.com/amndw2/status/727206975919022084 …
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:49:08
  156. zoh_zoh
    prof. zoh@zoh_zoh
    A3 I'm surprised by students who feel it's ok to ask me if I'm married & have kids. I'm a femme woman so obvs I'm a wife/mother? #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:44:46
  157. zoh_zoh
    prof. zoh@zoh_zoh
    A3 but I think students ask about marriage/family because they expect me to act like a wife/mother to them at times. #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:45:25
  158. twothrasherave
    Nick Ferreira@twothrasherave
    A3 #critlib I think it is prob seen as OK for me 2 "get away" w/o being emotional/sympathetic as a man... (not that I agree with that)
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:46:44
  159. Q4. How could naming emotional labor inform and transform critical approaches to librarianship? Beyond naming it, what else can we do?
  160. lettersfromvani
    vani@lettersfromvani
    Q4. How cld naming emotional labor inform + transform approaches to #critlib? Beyond naming it, what else can we do? #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:46:36
  161. AcornElectric
    Amanda M Meeks@AcornElectric
    A4 Emotion underlies everything we do, as humans, so I think calling attn to it can help others see value #critlib  https://twitter.com/lettersfromvani/status/727207680331419648 …
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:49:17
  162. adammizelle
    Adam Mizelle@adammizelle
    A4: I think like a lot of #critlib, Idk the answer. Learned this through #critlib and now noting when I engage/others have engage for me.
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:50:01
  163. adammizelle
    Adam Mizelle@adammizelle
    A4.1: Still reflecting, in other words. #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:50:26
  164. paigecmorgan
    Paige Morgan@paigecmorgan
    A4: Talk w/ people re emotional ups & downs are part of R&D process. Allow them 2 be comfortable w/ having emotions in 1st place #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:50:32
  165. mishiebhat
    Nimisha Bhat@mishiebhat
    A4. I think establishing a system of support or mentoring lib workers about navigating emotional labor would be good #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:52:12
  166. mishiebhat
    Nimisha Bhat@mishiebhat
    @mishiebhat A4.2. Just being acknowledged by institution & having a place for constant skill development helps us to justify our EL #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:55:35
  167. diannelibrarian
    Dianne@diannelibrarian
    A4 Not sure can separate emotional labor from public service; need to create spaces to acknowledge & support colleagues when needed #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:52:49
  168. diannelibrarian
    Dianne@diannelibrarian
    A4.1 Also find ways to partner w/ other groups to be more holistic at lib, like counseling center: shared service #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:55:13
  169. rjgp29
    Reed Garber-Pearson@rjgp29
    A4 Naming can start convos on placing boundaries around labor, call out expectations, provide support for one another when depleted #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:53:00
  170. violetbfox
    Violet Fox@violetbfox
    A4. Drawing people into librarianship who are good at emotional labor (not just "I like books") + training for those who aren't! #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:53:02
  171. violetbfox
    Violet Fox@violetbfox
    @violetbfox And like I said earlier, cluing #LIS students in that they should anticipate doing this necessary, important work. #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:55:41
  172. zoh_zoh
    prof. zoh@zoh_zoh
    A4 I'm grateful that we have a campus Counselor to whom I can refer students who need emotional support (beyond what I can give) #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:53:34
  173. paigecmorgan
    Paige Morgan@paigecmorgan
    A4: Also think it's important to identify specific types of EL, i.e., building relationships: & potentially offer training for that #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:53:39
  174. paigecmorgan
    Paige Morgan@paigecmorgan
    #critlib Training for emotional labor in itself is hard b/c it's so abstract, but specific types of emolab are easier to prepare people for.
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:54:32
  175. amndw2
    Amanda Watson@amndw2
    Training in relationship-building: really important and hardly ever done, in my experience. #critlib  https://twitter.com/paigecmorgan/status/727209452642926592 …
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:55:09
  176. laurabrarian
    Laura Braunstein@laurabrarian
    @amndw2 I have found this particularly true as I've gotten older and the age diff bet my students & my children has narrowed #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 19:03:36
  177. laurabrarian
    Laura Braunstein@laurabrarian
    @paigecmorgan let's all go do research in the EMOLAB #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 19:05:26
  178. zoh_zoh
    prof. zoh@zoh_zoh
    A4 Having a handy list of resources for folks who need services beyond your scope could help alleviate some stress. #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:54:16
  179. paigecmorgan
    Paige Morgan@paigecmorgan
    YES! Making sure librarians (& dept faculty, too) are told about support networks; how to refer to them #critlib  https://twitter.com/zoh_zoh/status/727209435039305728 …
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:55:33
  180. zoh_zoh
    prof. zoh@zoh_zoh
    @violetbfox Seems like more libraries (of all stripes) could use full-time social workers  http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/library-social-worker-helps-homeless-seeking-quiet-refuge/ … #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:55:46
  181. gonesquirrelly
    Jennifer@gonesquirrelly
    Assumes everyone may be successfully trained and I would contest this #critlib  https://twitter.com/violetbfox/status/727209297956986880 …
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:57:17
  182. violetbfox
    Violet Fox@violetbfox
    @gonesquirrelly Doing this work is not something that comes naturally to me but I'm willing & able to work on becoming better. #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 19:02:57
  183. violetbfox
    Violet Fox@violetbfox
    YES! Understanding larger social context that libs are having to pick up pieces after broken social net. #critlib  https://twitter.com/zoh_zoh/status/727209985331986432 …
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:57:50
  184. violetbfox
    Violet Fox@violetbfox
    @gonesquirrelly I don't think it's possible, either, but many current librarians want skills but don't have training support. #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:59:15
  185. mishiebhat
    Nimisha Bhat@mishiebhat
    @violetbfox And having those good at EL help those who aren't - can be exhausting to be the "go to" EL people-person! #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 19:00:56
  186. violetbfox
    Violet Fox@violetbfox
    @mishiebhat Yes! As someone not-so-good at EL, it's easy to pawn that responsibility to others--I need to step up to get better. #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 19:04:26
  187. paigecmorgan
    Paige Morgan@paigecmorgan
    These days, when someone asks me about pursuing libjobs, emolab is usually 1st & last thing I mention #critlib  https://twitter.com/violetbfox/status/727209967237910528 …
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:57:52
  188. gonesquirrelly
    Jennifer@gonesquirrelly
    #critlib A4 Being aware it exists helps us as people be more mindful of other people and what they bring to the table...
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:55:26
  189. zinelib
    Jenna Freedman@zinelib
    #critlib A4: Having safer spaces policies, talking about it, figuring out ahead of time how to deal with emotional challenges...?
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:55:30
  190. adammizelle
    Adam Mizelle@adammizelle
    Identify when EL being done is in service of those with more rank/power/privilege at the cost of work time. #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:56:35
  191. paigecmorgan
    Paige Morgan@paigecmorgan
    I wonder if part of issue is that libjobs (like profjobs) have had a reputation as perfect places for people who don't like emolab? #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 19:00:12
  192. Pitches
  193. lettersfromvani
    vani@lettersfromvani
    it is 3pm eastern time, so time to wrap up #critlib chat on #emotionallabor---thank you to everyone!
    Mon, May 02 2016 19:01:04
  194. lettersfromvani
    vani@lettersfromvani
    tho, #critlib, feel free to post announcements etc too---(sorry, i am new at this, so running a little late)
    Mon, May 02 2016 19:02:20
  195. yo_bj
    Becky Yoose@yo_bj
    Ducking out a bit early from #critlib lurking. Some readings related to emotional labor in libraries (and IT):  https://www.zotero.org/groups/c4l16yoose/items …
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:37:37
  196. gonesquirrelly
    Jennifer@gonesquirrelly
    #critlib I think some libns have moved to #socialjustice in Information Literacy as an attempt to deal with #emotionallabor Agree? Disagree?
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:56:39
  197. zoh_zoh
    prof. zoh@zoh_zoh
    @gonesquirrelly I honestly don't understand the question, or the phrase "moved to #socialjustice" (is it a zip code?) #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:58:07
  198. gonesquirrelly
    Jennifer@gonesquirrelly
    @zoh_zoh #critlib In dealing with inequity and with our users, introducing ideas of social justice...is emo labor a social justice issue?
    Mon, May 02 2016 19:03:57
  199. zoh_zoh
    prof. zoh@zoh_zoh
    @gonesquirrelly Great question for discussion! I have to get back to work now but will think about it. #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 19:05:07
  200. violetbfox
    Violet Fox@violetbfox
    @gonesquirrelly Yes, but maybe more that people don't recognize that it's a *thing*, even. It often seems invisible... #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 19:07:48
  201. rhymewithzinger
    Ean Henninger@rhymewithzinger
    Still wondering where the #critlib for public library workers is to be found, though. It often seems very academic-driven?
    Tue, May 03 2016 03:26:13
  202. jmymcginniss
    Jeremy McGinniss@jmymcginniss
    @rhymewithzinger These cats wrote this recently. worth reading:  http://ojs.library.ubc.ca/index.php/seealso/article/view/187907/186031 … focus on pub. libs bottom of pg 4 #critlib
    Tue, May 03 2016 13:23:36
  203. walkyouhome
    Lauren Smith@walkyouhome
    As far as I can tell it's in the same place, #critlib. The issue is finding and engaging the public library workers.  https://twitter.com/rhymewithzinger/status/727338445119492096 …
    Tue, May 03 2016 14:38:52
  204. gonesquirrelly
    Jennifer@gonesquirrelly
    #critlib can be for public lib workers. They need to show up. So why don't they?  https://twitter.com/rhymewithzinger/status/727338445119492096 …
    Tue, May 03 2016 15:24:24
  205. gonesquirrelly
    Jennifer@gonesquirrelly
    Uh. I meant that non-aggressively. Just curious. #critlib  https://twitter.com/rhymewithzinger/status/727338445119492096 …
    Tue, May 03 2016 15:25:06
  206. violetbfox
    Violet Fox@violetbfox
    @gonesquirrelly Perception is a big part of it IMO. If people see #critlib as *just* an academic librarian thing, they don't suggest chats.
    Tue, May 03 2016 15:58:23
  207. gonesquirrelly
    Jennifer@gonesquirrelly
    So #critlib may we track down a #publiclibrarian willing to moderate a libchat on state of #critlib and #publiclibraries /librarians?
    Tue, May 03 2016 19:16:19
  208. Thanks to the mod!
  209. zinelib
    Jenna Freedman@zinelib
    I see the clock is ticking toward this chat being over, so THANK YOU to @lettersfromvani for leading this #critlib Great topic!!!
    Mon, May 02 2016 18:59:32
  210. zoh_zoh
    prof. zoh@zoh_zoh
    @lettersfromvani thanks for the great #critlib chat!
    Mon, May 02 2016 19:04:36
  211. mishiebhat
    Nimisha Bhat@mishiebhat
    @lettersfromvani thank you so much for mod'ing and to all who participated! ~*we're all in this together*~ #critlib
    Mon, May 02 2016 19:02:49
  212. alchism15
    Ashlee Chism@alchism15
    Very interesting read on #critlib today. Thanks for letting me lurk!
    Mon, May 02 2016 19:03:21
  213. edrabinski
    Emily Drabinski@edrabinski
    Thx to @lettersfromvani for today's #critlib! Had to mostly lurk, catching up now. 👏👏
    Mon, May 02 2016 22:12:16
  214. sofiayleung
    Sofia Leung@sofiayleung
    @lettersfromvani thank you for hosting and facilitating!
    Mon, May 02 2016 19:01:46
  215. gonesquirrelly
    Jennifer@gonesquirrelly
    Bye #critlib! Thanks for all the memories!
    Mon, May 02 2016 19:07:24