Strategies for Promoting Civility and Managing Conflict in the Library Workplace
Session Description
This presentation will explore the growing challenges for leaders in managing incivility, poor communication, and conflict in library environments. It shares findings from recent studies on workplace behavior, highlighting issues like bullying, low morale, and leadership gaps. The presenters will outline how civil leadership—marked by authenticity, empathy, and clear boundaries—can strengthen communication and trust. Key sections will emphasize the role of middle managers in navigating conflict, maintaining balance between staff and senior leaders, and modeling civility. Attendees will leave with actionable insights for improving workplace relationships, enhancing team cohesion, and promoting a culture of civility across all levels of library staff.
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Learning Outcomes
- Understand methods leaders utilize for improving communication and connections and resolving conflict in the work environment
- Learn the role of middle managers for improving communication and navigating conflict
- Identify best civility practices for team leaders and their senior leaders
Presenter: Jo Henry
Jo Henry is reference and instruction librarian at the Horry-Georgetown Technical College, South Carolina. Previously, she was a librarian with Charlotte Mecklenburg Library and Information Services Librarian and Director of the Smart Start Resource Center at South Piedmont Community College. Henry obtained her MLIS from the University of North Carolina Greensboro and MPA from Georgia Southern University.
In addition to publications in numerous library journals, Henry is co-author of Fostering a Civil Workplace: Strategies for Personal and Organizational Success (2026), Cultivating Civility: Practical Ways to Improve a Dysfunctional Library (2020), The Dysfunctional Library: Challenges and Solutions to Workplace Relationships (2018), The Mindful Librarian: Connecting the Practice of Mindfulness to Librarianship (2016), Fundamentals for the Academic Liaison (2014), and The Personal Librarian: Enhancing the Student Experience (2014). Henry has presented at numerous library conferences and co-facilitated library workshops and ecourses (along with Richard Moniz) focused on improving library work environments.
Presenter: Richard Moniz
Dr. Richard Moniz has dedicated more than 30 years to the library profession. He holds a Master’s degree in History from Rhode Island College, a Master’s in Library Science from the University of Rhode Island, and a Doctorate in Higher Education Administration from Florida International University.
Since 2018, Dr. Moniz has served as Director of Library Services at Horry-Georgetown Technical College. Previously, he was Director of Library Services at Johnson & Wales University for both the North Miami (1997–2004) and Charlotte (2004–2018) campuses. In addition to his administrative leadership, he has taught computer science and history courses at Johnson & Wales and has been an adjunct instructor in the University of North Carolina at Greensboro’s MLIS program for nearly two decades.
A prolific author, Dr. Moniz has written and co-authored numerous articles and several influential books, including: Fostering a Civil Workplace: Strategies for Personal and Organizational Success (2026), Cultivating Civility: Practical Ways to Improve a Dysfunctional Library (2020), The Dysfunctional Library: Challenges and Solutions to Workplace Relationships (2018), The Mindful Librarian: Connecting the Practice of Mindfulness to Librarianship (2016), Librarians and Instructional Designers: Collaboration and Innovation (2016), Fundamentals for the Academic Liaison (2014), The Personal Librarian: Enhancing the Student Experience (2014), Recipes for Mindfulness in Your Library, and Practical and Effective Management of Libraries (2010).
Beyond his writing, Dr. Moniz has been an active leader in the library community. He has served as Chair of the Library Leadership & Management Association’s Continuing Education Committee (2009–2010), twice as President of the Metrolina Library Association (2007 and 2015), and as the 2022–2023 Chair of PASCAL’s (Partnership Among South Carolina Academic Libraries) Board of Directors. He has also contributed his expertise on several additional nonprofit boards.
