Preparing to be Empowered and Challenge Ready

Episode Summary:

In this episode of Leading from the Library, Shannon McClintock Miller (@shannonmmiller) is joined by three experienced library professionals—Val Edwards, Maegan Heindel (@MsSchoolLibrary), and Becky Calzada (@AASLpresident) —who discuss strategies for handling inquiries and challenges with professionalism and confidence. The conversation explores how librarians can proactively prepare for unexpected questions or challenges and the importance of having a supportive network to rely on during these moments.

The guests share high-level strategies that help librarians face the unknown with empowerment, focusing on personal and professional preparedness, coalition building, and practical tactics for navigating difficult conversations.

Guests:

Val Edwards, Retired/UW Field Work Supervisor, Verona Area School District (WI)  

Maegan Heindel, District Library Coordinator, Madison Metropolitan School District (WI)  

Becky Calzada, District Library Coordinator, Leander Independent School District ( TX)

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