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Dealing with Aggression and Violence in Your Workplace

Sheila Pantry

Cover

Library Association Publishing

1996

The Successful LIS Professional Series

Paperback

96pp

£14.95

ISBN 1 85604 180 8

Description

This practical deskbook is intended to alert information practitioners at all levels to potential problems in the workplace, and to inform them of their rights under health and safety legislation.

Reviews

NOW long established in the occupational health and safety information field Sheila Pantry has produced an essential addition to the literature in this practical guide to dealing with workplace aggression and violence.

One of a series aimed at library and information services personnel, it focuses on the potential dangers for employees in this sector, how to anticipate, recognize and cope with them. It pursues the wider aspects of advised procedure, management responsibility, official apathy, training and training needs, reasonable expectations of support and action from employers and police.

The scenarios described in the actual case histories cited at the beginning of the text may be worrying – but they do force the reader to face reality. How would they – how should they – react? Do they accept the need for training and are they prepared to undertake it? Are they in the wrong job?

The book provides answers and challenges, instantly applicable ideas and techniques, reminders, checklists and summaries, together with excellent appendices of bibliography, legislation, databases, contacts for help, videos, films and examples of anti-harassment policy from the Consumers’ Association.

Concise yet comprehensive, thoughtful and practical, this well organised guide should be issued to all library and information services staff.

OS&H, November 1996, p. 29

Violence and aggression in libraries is an issue which is becoming of increasing concern. Dealing with disruptive behaviour can cause stress, lack of self confidence and fear for everyone concerned with dealing with it. From the member of staff on the receiving end, to the manager with the responsibility of taking action to resolve it.

Sheila Pantry’s book is a must read for anyone dealing with this emotive and difficult topic. To begin with it is both short and highly readable. Secondly it is library specific and a welcome training tool with which to combat the wealth of courses which are on offer, but which do not tackle the particular issues which libraries face.

The book contains examples of real incidents which occur in libraries. It moves on to place the role of the employer in the Health and Safety framework. It examines how violent incidents affect staff and contains many practical suggestions in dealing with situations which may occur. Supporting information includes on-line data support information, a contacts for help section and a summary of appropriate legislation. A listing of videos and films which might be used in training staff, and a bibliography is also very helpful indeed.

I would have no hesitation in recommending this book as a first stop for anyone thinking of training in and managing the many difficult situations which have always occurred in libraries, and which at last are attracting appropriate recognition.

Nigel Thomas, Senior Neighbourhood Librarian, Coventry City Libraries.
Community LIBRARIAN, Spring 1998, No. 20, p. 25

WITH injuries caused by violence at work now reportable under RIDDOR, Dealing with Aggression and Violence in Your Workplace makes a useful addition to any safety manager’s bookshelf.

Although aimed primarily at those in charge of libraries and information centres, the 82-page book contains general information for safety professionals operating in other business sectors where there is a risk of violence to staff.

Featuring practical tips on assessing the risk of violence and introducing preventive measures, the book adds up to an excellent summary of what employers can do to prevent their staff becoming victims of violence at work.

The publication – which also contains an example of a reporting form for violent incidents – represents good value for money at £12.50.

SAFETY management, January 1997, p. 56

Author

Sheila Pantry OBE BA FCLIP manages an independent information services consultancy and electronic publishing business, including websites. She has had a long and varied career in information management in a range of industry sectors, and also in government as Head of Information Services for the Health and Safety Executive. She specializes in worldwide occupational health and safety information and is an experienced trainer, writer, editor, lecturer and conference organiser.

Available at a 20% discount to Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals members.
Remember to quote your Membership Number if claiming the discount.
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