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An important guide that addresses the critical need to foster kindness and wellbeing within library workplaces.
THIS is a welcome publication, forming a call to action to help individuals and organ- isations thrive through wellbeing and kindness. Taking positive psychology as the underpinning philosophy, theoretical knowledge is woven with practical insights. The focus is on libraries but can be applied other organisation – I would have preferred to see more case studies applying the themes to library contexts to make it truly specific to libraries. A holistic approach is emphasised for team empowerment, leaders embodying core values, and embracing kindness with library cultures. As the author states, it’s not just about being nice! Focus is given to authentic care, emotional intelligence, proactive behaviour and empathy, with libraries moving from book lending to being community spaces, with wellbeing and kindness embracing both service users and staff. The benefits this can have on productivity and efficiency as well as on individual wellbeing are highlighted. Each chapter has reflective questions and exercises for individuals and teams – if implemented, these could significantly contribute to a change in culture within organisations. Par- ticular attention is given to how leaders need to lead by example, emulating kindness and wellbeing values they wish their libraries, staff and service users to embody. Discussion includes the art of kind recruitment – viewing recruitment from both sides and how wellbeing can make the process more inclusive and accessible – and how leaders can be supported in developing positive workplace cultures.
Whilst I enjoyed reading this book, I felt there was quite a bit of overlap between chapters, and it could have been more effective by being shorter in length. The text doesn’t shy away from the challenges of embracing kindness and wellbeing and includes reference to issues such as bystander syndrome and compassion fatigue. Inclusion of reflections and exercises means teams and individ- uals can explore key topics pertinent to them.
Suzie Williams
Academic Liaison Librarian University of Sunderland
54 INFORMATION PROFESSIONAL
Rimmer, H. The Kind Librarian: Cultivating a culture of kindness and wellbeing in libraries. London: Facet Publishing, 2024. 368pp. ISBN 978 1 78330712 8. £50.00. CILIP members: 35% discount at
www.facetpublishing.co.uk
Winter 2025
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