explore concepts like emotional intelligence, prosocial personality traits, and the deep impact that kindness has on wellbeing. I also address the risks of being kind, such as kindness fatigue, and how kindness con- nects with positive psychology, particularly the PERMA model of wellbeing.


Part two: Cultivating Kindness in the Library: A Holistic Approach to Wellbeing and Team Empowerment


This part focuses on how we can make kindness a daily practice in our work- places. From setting up flexible working environments to fostering kind communi- cation and self-care, I provide strategies for embedding kindness into everyday operations. I want to thank the many contributors who shared their stories here – people like Tim Leonard and Michelle Brown – who remind us that even small acts of kindness can have a huge impact.


Part three: Leadership Approaches to Enhancing Kindness and Well- being in Libraries


Leadership is critical to making kind- ness part of the culture. This section discusses how leaders can create environ- ments where kindness and wellbeing are prioritised. We cover topics like conflict resolution, fostering psychological safety, and navigating change with empathy. The brilliant Amy Stubbing contributes a chapter on how to use data with kindness, showing us that even the most analytical aspects of leadership can be handled with empathy and care. Even if you aren’t in a leadership position, we can all take a lead on what kindness in libraries can do, so I urge everyone to read this chapter.


Part four: Embracing Kindness and Wellbeing in Library Cultures: Navi- gating Change and Toxicity


In the final section, we confront some of the more difficult challenges—how to navigate toxicity in the workplace, how to implement kindness in the face of resist- ance, and how to sustain these efforts over time. This is where the Kindness Revolu- tion and our roles as Kind Librarians real- ly comes into play – it’s about long-term cultural change, not just temporary fixes. Each chapter has a series of reflective questions and activities to support you in developing kindness at work. To give you a taste here are questions and an exercise to do today.


Reflective questions 1. When was the last time you experi- enced or witnessed an act of kindness in your workplace?


Reflect on how it made you feel, whether you were the giver or receiver. How did it impact your mood, productivity, or rela- tionships with colleagues?


26 INFORMATION PROFESSIONAL


2. In what ways do you actively show kindness at work?


Think about both small gestures (like offering a helping hand) and larger acts (such as mentoring a colleague). Are there areas where you could be more intentional in showing kindness?


3. What barriers (personal, organisa- tional, or cultural) stop kindness from thriving in your workplace? Consider whether it’s time pressures, misunderstandings, or even fear of vulnerability that holds you back. What small changes could help overcome these barriers?


4. How does being kind to yourself impact your ability to be kind to others? Reflect on your self-care practices. Are you taking time to rest, set boundaries, and recharge so you can show up fully for others at work? What would it look like to practice more self-kindness?


5. What’s one act of kindness you could commit to this week?


Identify a simple, specific act you can do to bring more kindness into your work- place. It could be as small as offering a compliment or as significant as listening deeply to a colleague’s concerns.


Activity: The Kindness Ripple This simple activity shows how small acts of kindness can create ripples throughout your workplace.


Objective is to demonstrate how kind- ness can spread, improve morale, and create stronger connections within the team.


Materials are sticky notes or pieces of paper. A shared space (like a break room or common area) or a digital workspace for remote teams.


October-November 2024


Instructions 1. Start with a Kind Note


Write a short note to a colleague thank- ing them for something specific they’ve done, appreciating their work, or offer- ing an encouraging word. Keep it simple but genuine.


2. Pass It On


Leave your note somewhere they will find it (on their desk, in their mailbox, or digitally through an email or messag- ing app). Include a message encourag- ing them to pass on an act of kindness to someone else.


3. Observe the Ripple Effect Watch over the next few days or weeks as the notes of kindness start to spread. Keep track of how the atmosphere changes when acts of kindness begin to multiply, and take a moment to reflect on how it has affected you personally.


4. Reflection


At the end of a week or two, come together as a group (in person or virtu- ally) and reflect on how these small acts of kindness affected individuals and the team. How did it change your per- spective? Did it create a more positive environment? Discuss what you learned about the power of kindness.


Let’s start the kindness revolution


together I wrote The Kind Librarian because I believe in the transformative power of kindness. I’ve seen it change workplaces and lives. But kindness doesn’t just hap- pen—it requires action, commitment, and a shared vision. Through this book and with the help of the many won- derful contributors who shared their stories, I hope to inspire you to lead with kindness, work with kindness, and live with kindness.


This is ‘The Kindness Revolution’, and I’m asking you, a Kind Librarian, to join it. Together, we can create workplaces where people feel valued, supported, and empowered to be their best selves.


Are you ready to join? The Kind Librarian:Cultivating a Culture of Kindness and Wellbeing in Libraries is available from Facet Pub- lishing and CILIP members get a 35 per cent discount – visit www.facetpublishing. co.uk. IP


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