For Library Staff

We strive to create an inclusive working environment for all library staff.

We hope to inspire your continued learning and growth in all your roles here and provide this list of resources that may be of interest as you navigate your work. 


Welcome  |  For Library Staff  |  Library SDE Initiatives  |  Related Resources


Training and Professional Development
Starred items (*) are particularly recommended for new staff.
Yale Library Learns*

Visit Yale Library Learns to learn more about our onboarding and training program for new and current employees.

Working at Yale Library*

To learn more about who we are as a staff community, where we work, and how we work, visit Working at Yale Library and the resources below.

Inclusive Recruitment Strategies

We offer hiring managers and search committees a hiring guide, four-part training series, and sourcing list with strategies and resources to help you align your searches with the librarys goals for staff recruitment and retention. Contact YaleLibrarySDE@yale.edu to learn more or request the materials.

Staff Training
Yale Library Learning + Development Workshop Series
Staff Development & Engagement has launched a monthly workshop series and community of practice offering strategies to strengthen our approaches to work and collaboration. Designed for staff at all levels, these sessions will equip participants with tools to navigate complex workplace dynamics and integrate more thoughtful, responsive approaches in their work. For more information, Library employees should contact YaleLibrarySDE@yale.edu.
 
Additionally, through Yale’s Learn & Grow website, staff can explore a wide range of professional development opportunities, including career development, resources, management tools, financial training, and specialized learning programs for Clerical & Technical staff as well as for Managerial & Professional staff. Staff can also find support, programs, and resources to further their education through Yale’s Educational Assistance Programs.

Additionally, library staff should view the monthly SDE Digest for more information on training opportunities offered at Yale and beyond. YaleLibrarySDE@yale.edu for more information.  

Staff Learning and Support
Staff Funding
  • Staff Development Program
    The library supports the professional development of its full-time employees in areas such as scholarship, work, teaching, and service that align with their work and goals at the library. Funding may be used for conferences, training programs, research, and other opportunities that improve staff members’ effectiveness and learning. This program supports clerical and technical and managerial and professional staff members who have at least one year of employment at the library. Email YaleLibrarySDE@yale.edu to request the funding application.
     
  • Professional Development Grants
    Administered by the Standing Committee on Professional Awareness (SCOPA), these grants support innovative research and investigative projects by the library’s managerial and professional staff. The grants provide financial assistance for projects that contribute to the Yale Library community through such avenues as scholarly research, creative program applications, program enrichment, or feasibility/pilot studies.
     
  • SDE Funding
    The library’s SDE team offers funding to support departments’ events that strengthen our work environment and foster connection across teams. These are meant to promote shared learning, mutual respect, and a deeper understanding of the experiences that shape how we work together. Email YaleLibrarySDE@yale.edu to inquire about funding.
Staff Committees
  • The Library Staff Advisory Committee on Workplace Culture collaborates with Yale Library leadership to share staff perspectives, and it recommends positive and meaningful ways to strengthen our organizational climate. The committee provides a platform for colleagues to voice their needs and concerns, ensuring that leadership remains aware and supportive of staff well-being.
     
  • The Library Accessibility Advisory Group is charged with providing a vision for and consultation regarding accessibility across the library’s operations, spaces, services, and resources. The group develops and recommends strategies, policies, and actions that embed accessibility into all aspects of library operations. The group promotes a unified approach to accessibility, aligning with both university- and division-wide initiatives as well as specific library goals. The group facilitates the ongoing identification and elimination of barriers to accessibility, ensuring that our spaces and environment become even more welcoming to and inclusive of all constituents and staff, regardless of ability identity. Email Yale Library SDE to learn more.
     
  • The Standing Committee on Professional Awareness (SCOPA) supports professional growth among librarians by creating and sponsoring lectures, training sessions, information sessions, and other events for the library staff.
     
  • The Library Staff Association (LiSA) promotes staff knowledge and development, morale, and staff relations by providing opportunities for the exchange of information among staff, welcoming new staff, and organizing social and cultural events.
     
  • For more information on SDE groups and related staff efforts across the library, please visit Library SDE Initiatives.
     
  • Library staff may also be interested in connecting with the Yale Office of Employee Engagement & Workplace Culture and its employee resource groups that support recruitment, retention, education, advocacy, and community building.
Event Resources

The library is in the process of adapting these guidelines to our spaces and procedures through planning tools.  To request the planning tools or for more information, contact Yale Library SDE.

Accessibility Resources

The library is currently adapting these tools to library spaces and procedures through a planning guide. Contact Yale Library SDE to request the guide or more information.
 

Report Discrimination, Harassment, and Sexual Misconduct

Yale does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, disability, status as a special disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era, or other covered veteran.

Acts of discrimination and harassment are contrary to the community standards and ideals of the library and our university. If you have experienced discrimination or harassment, been witness to a situation, or just need to talk, we encourage you to seek support. The resources and offices listed below can provide guidance and help you through informal or formal complaint procedures related to concerns of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and/or sexual misconduct:

Report a Disability-Related Accessibility Barrier

Yale strives to provide accessibility to its programs and activities for persons with disabilities. Any accessibility concerns may be submitted via the Report a Disability-Related Accessibility Barrier Form. If you have encountered a disability-related accessibility barrier on any Yale campus location, you may use this form to report it.

Wellness and Safety Resources

The library encourages all staff members to prioritize their health, well-being, and safety. We invite you to visit the websites below to learn about University services, programs, and events that may help you thrive.

Related University Resources

Library staff and prospective staff are encouraged to learn about the many SDE-related resources and staff services available across our division and the University. See Related Resources


Welcome  |  For Library Staff  |  Library SDE Initiatives  |  Related Resources