Minnesota Library Convention

I am at the Minnesota Library Convention (MLA) in St Cloud for the next three days. I received a scholarship t0 MLA from Southeastern Libraries Cooperating (SELCO ) regional library system.

I attend three sessions today along with talking to the many vendors that help support library services. I will blog on this page the first session and blog about the others on other pages.

I attended a pre-conference session on Personal Safety for Library workers by Fred Vogt. Mr. Vogt has also written a book called See Sally Kick Ass a Woman's Guide to Personal Safety.

This workshop really opened my eyes on how little time to have to react to a potentially dangerous person or situation. We were told the best way to stand, approach, and what to do with our arms and hands to defuse a situation. Always be prepared and what is your action plan. Mr. Vogt gave us hands on experience along with the lecture of the 4 A's- Attitude, Awareness, Avoidance and Action.

Attitude-90% is nonverbal, stand tall and walk confidently.

Awareness-He used the analogy of how an inside cat acts inside vs when he goes outside. He stops at the doorway and is constantly scanning his surrounding. Mr. Vogt said we should always do likewise. We tend to get into trouble when we become complacent.

Avoidance-650 safety tips were is a book on safety written by speaker.

Action-Verbal and your body as a weapon.

After a short break there was audience participation and I had to go to another workshop and missed the hands on part but heard later he was vey impressive and helpful tips for everyone.