Kind Policies, Clear Procedures: Building a Library that Works for Everyone

Creating Grounded, Inclusive, and Purpose-Driven Guidelines

Live Date: 3rd March 2026

Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM GMT

Live via Zoom

Recording available for 12 months

£75 or FREE for Empower members

“Why do you have so many rules?” It’s a question you’ve likely heard and maybe even asked yourself. But policies aren’t about control. When done well, they’re about clarity, consistency, and care.

Policies and procedures form the foundation of equitable, effective library operations. They help us set boundaries, support decision-making, resolve conflict, and uphold the mission of the library. Most importantly, they allow staff and patrons alike to navigate library spaces with confidence and respect.

In this two-hour interactive session, we’ll explore how to create—and implement—policies and procedures that reflect your values, meet diverse user needs, and support staff wellbeing. Whether you’re reviewing outdated policies, creating new ones, or struggling to get buy-in from your team, this session will give you the structure, mindset, and confidence to move forward.

What We’ll Explore

The Role of Policy in a Values-Led Library

• How policies reflect your mission, purpose, and culture

• The difference between policies (the what) and procedures (the how)

• Why kindness and inclusion must be built in not added on

Bringing Clarity to Chaos

• What happens when there’s no policy or when it’s vague or outdated

• How policies protect staff as much as patrons

• Using procedures to support—not control—frontline decision-making

Designing Policy with Purpose

• A simple structure for developing inclusive, people-centred policy

• Who to involve in policy creation—and how to get team buy-in

• Aligning policy with everyday realities: training, signage, feedback loops

From Paper to Practice: Follow-Through Matters

• Making sure procedures are accessible, lived, and usable

• What to do when a policy is challenged or isn’t working

• Evaluating and updating policies to stay responsive

By the End of This Session, You Will:

• Understand the difference between a policy and a procedure and why both matter

• See how policies can uphold clarity, equity, and shared understanding

• Be able to assess which policies support (or hinder) your library’s mission

• Walk away with a step-by-step tool to develop or revise a policy with kindness and clarity

• Feel more confident creating boundaries that are kind and enforceable

Who It’s For:

Library managers, supervisors, policy-writers, and team leads—anyone responsible for upholding consistency, responding to conflict, or guiding service strategy. Suitable for all library settings: public, academic, and specialist.

Care Statement / Accessibility Note

We’ll be discussing real-world tensions around enforcement, conflict, and staff support. If these topics are sensitive or bring up strong feelings, please take breaks as needed. You’ll have access to the recording for 12 months.