Course Information
| Session |
|---|
| Credits | 1.5 CEUs or 15 PDHs |
|---|---|
| Registration dates | We accept registrations through the first week of classes, unless enrollment is full, and unless the class was canceled before it started due to low enrollment. |
Menopause in Libraries: Creating Supportive Workplaces
$250.00
Dates: May 3 - May 30Credits: 1.5 CEUs or 15 PDHs
Perimenopause and menopause are significant life transitions that affect a substantial portion of the library workforce, often during peak career and leadership years. Approximately 1.3 million women in the United States reach menopause each year, up to 80% experience symptoms, and symptoms may persist for seven to ten years or longer. The workplace implications are significant: research has found that 23% of women have considered leaving a job because of menopause, while menopause-related symptoms are estimated to cost $1.8 billion annually in lost work time in the United States.
Symptoms such as hot flashes, sleep disruption, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and changes in mood can present particular challenges in library environments, where employees may balance public-facing responsibilities, instruction, meetings, technology, physical tasks, and other workplace demands. Despite its prevalence and potential impact, menopause remains an often overlooked and stigmatized workplace issue.
This course will provide library professionals from all library types with a better understanding of perimenopause and menopause and their potential impact on employees and the workplace. Participants will explore practical strategies for supporting themselves and their colleagues, improving workplace communication, and creating more menopause-inclusive library environments. Particular attention will be given to the role that supervisors, colleagues, policies, workplace practices, and physical environments can play in supporting employees experiencing perimenopause and menopause.
Course objectives include:
● Define perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause and identify common symptoms and experiences.
● Recognize how menopause-related symptoms may affect library employees and their work.
● Identify stigma, misconceptions, and workplace practices that can create barriers for employees experiencing menopause.
● Develop strategies for communicating about menopause-related needs while respecting individual privacy and preferences.
● Identify practical ways supervisors, colleagues, and organizations can support employees experiencing perimenopause and menopause.
● Evaluate library workplace practices and environments and identify opportunities for greater menopause inclusion.
Course Description
Perimenopause and menopause are significant life transitions that affect a substantial portion of the library workforce, often during peak career and leadership years. Approximately 1.3 million women in the United States reach menopause each year, up to 80% experience symptoms, and symptoms may persist for seven to ten years or longer. The workplace implications are significant: research has found that 23% of women have considered leaving a job because of menopause, while menopause-related symptoms are estimated to cost $1.8 billion annually in lost work time in the United States.
Symptoms such as hot flashes, sleep disruption, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and changes in mood can present particular challenges in library environments, where employees may balance public-facing responsibilities, instruction, meetings, technology, physical tasks, and other workplace demands. Despite its prevalence and potential impact, menopause remains an often overlooked and stigmatized workplace issue.
This course will provide library professionals from all library types with a better understanding of perimenopause and menopause and their potential impact on employees and the workplace. Participants will explore practical strategies for supporting themselves and their colleagues, improving workplace communication, and creating more menopause-inclusive library environments. Particular attention will be given to the role that supervisors, colleagues, policies, workplace practices, and physical environments can play in supporting employees experiencing perimenopause and menopause.
Course objectives include:
● Define perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause and identify common symptoms and experiences.
● Recognize how menopause-related symptoms may affect library employees and their work.
● Identify stigma, misconceptions, and workplace practices that can create barriers for employees experiencing menopause.
● Develop strategies for communicating about menopause-related needs while respecting individual privacy and preferences.
● Identify practical ways supervisors, colleagues, and organizations can support employees experiencing perimenopause and menopause.
● Evaluate library workplace practices and environments and identify opportunities for greater menopause inclusion.
Dawn Behrend
Dawn Behrend is the Associate Dean of Administrative Services at the Thomas G. Carpenter Library at the University of North Florida. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology, a master’s degree in clinical psychology, a Master of Business Administration, and a master’s in library science. With extensive expertise in organizational management, project management, and staff development, Dawn brings an interdisciplinary approach to library leadership and operations. She previously worked in the mental health profession and continues to provide workshops, courses, and invited talks on mental health, neurodiversity in libraries, and self-care for librarians. Dawn is a past president of the North Carolina Library Association and is active with the Association of College and Research Libraries, where she has served on several committees and sections.Connect with Dawn on LinkedIn or view her online portfolio.
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