CSL in Session: The Science Behind Our Burnout: Compassion Fatigue in Libraries

Session archive

Session slides (PDF)

Handouts (PDF)

Action Items Wordcloud

“Literature shows the growing phenomena of compassion fatigue among professions outside of traditional “caregiving” roles. Libraries are also increasingly recognizing compassion fatigue in their staff. However, there is a struggle to learn about where it originates.

Vicarious Trauma, overwhelming workloads, and burnout are three things that can contribute to library professionals struggling to care about their work and their patrons. What’s more, there are more tools out there than being told to practice self-care.

This session will break down how compassion fatigue shows up in libraries and the science behind it. Attendees will also explore what can be done to combat compassion fatigue in a variety of ways.

About the Presenters:

Cydney Clink is in her 6th year of employment at Mesa County Libraries where she recently became the Head of Programming taking on the challenge of creating a new department charged with centralizing programming and events for all ages. She holds a bachelor’s in Sociology with an emphasis in Family Studies from the University of Northern Colorado and a master’s degree in Library Science from Emporia State University.

Rose Marie Fraser is the Adult Programming Librarian at Mesa County Libraries. She obtained her MLIS from the University of Denver in 2022 and has worked in branch services, youth services, reference, and now focuses on programming for adults. Her passions include educating her peers and community on how to better serve our houseless patrons and being an advocate for mental health in the workplace.