What is a Buzz Session?
A Buzz Session is a casual discussion with colleagues focused on a specific topic. This format seamlessly blends informal learning with networking, allowing participants to share insights, cultivate connections, and get back to their busy day.
- What inspired you to create Buzz Sessions, and why did you feel this type of conversation is needed?
- I had participated in Buzz Sessions that were hosted by another organization and found them to be a welcoming space to informally share ideas about topics relevant to our daily work. We wanted to provide that opportunity to members of the Core community, and beyond, to discuss matters related to human resources in libraries.
- What do you hope members gain from participating in these informal discussions?
- HR situations can often be challenging. We hope that members gain ideas for ways to make improvements at their institutions and the confidence to navigate these situations. We want to offer a source of support.
- Why is a topic like feedback and recognition particularly important for library organizations and their leaders right now?
- Feedback and recognition, the topic of our August Buzz Session, is important to developing a sense of belonging amongst our staff. Recognition, when done in a meaningful way, can help employees feel appreciated which contributes to job satisfaction and reduces turnover (Jo & Shin, 2025). Similarly feedback, when provided with nuance and throughout the year, can help employees grow and improve in their roles. As we discussed in our session, feedback is not meant to be a form of punishment. Helping employees identify ways that they can develop professionally can support them not only in their current jobs, but can assist them with transitioning into new roles with more responsibility and higher pay.
- How do you hope Buzz Sessions strengthen connections, knowledge-sharing, and engagement among Core members?
- We’re hoping that the informal nature of these sessions encourages more people to speak up, more voices to be heard, and more perspectives to be shared. The experience of the committee members runs the gamut from people who have degrees in HR and are full-time HR specialists in their library, to people who took on these responsibilities in addition to their “day job” with little training. We’re hoping to provide a space for people to connect and share their ideas, ask their questions, and learn more about HR in libraries.
- Anything else you think is important to share such as impact, upcoming topics, etc.
- Our next session will be October 15 at 2 p.m. Eastern. The topic will be Accessibility and Accommodations in recognition of National Disability Employment Awareness Month. If you have an idea that you would like us to focus on in an upcoming session, please let us know! You can email me at efairall@rollins.edu. We look forward to hearing from you!
