OLA Events

Did you miss out on a popular in-person presentation at OLA Super Conference 2026? In the Super Conference Callback series, OLA invites a curated selection of presenters to replicate or reimagine their in-person conference session in the form of a webinar as part of its summer programming. We hope that the sessions provided will improve accessibility for those who were unable to attend or for whom in-person conference is not a good fit. Tune in live to a virtual session on its scheduled date, or sign up for on-demand access (available until August 31st, 2026)! View all offerings of this program here.

In this session:

Safety and security are ongoing priorities for libraries of all sizes, but small and rural libraries often face unique challenges. With limited staff, budgets, and space, creating a safe environment for both employees and patrons requires practical, scalable solutions. This session will explore common safety concerns in small libraries—including facility design, staff preparedness, handling difficult behaviours, and building community partnerships to support safety. Participants will learn about low-cost strategies, policies, and tools that can be adapted to fit the realities of smaller organizations. We’ll also discuss how to foster a culture of awareness and confidence, so staff feel prepared to respond effectively when situations arise. Whether you are a director, board member, or front-line staff, this session will provide actionable ideas to strengthen safety, security, and peace of mind in your library.