Frontline Safety Training (Spring 2026)

AFTER YOU ATTEND THIS COURSE, YOU'LL BE ABLE TO:

• Identify types of conflict and signs of escalating behavior
  
  
• Understand the effects of trauma on individuals
  
  
• Apply trauma-informed care practices during interactions with patrons in crisis
  
  
• Utilize de-escalation techniques
  
  
• Set and use professional boundaries respectfully during difficult interactions to maintain personal safety and self-care
  
  
• Identify the appropriate framework to use in a specific type of crisis

THIS COURSE CONSISTS OF 5 ON-DEMAND MODULES:

Module 1: Foundations of Conflict Management

This introductory module explores the nature of difficult situations as the first step towards resolution. You will learn how to identify different types of conflict, understand common triggers, and explore the role of emotions during tense situations. This module is about shifting from reacting to conflict to approaching situations calmly and proactively.

Module 2: Safety through Trauma-Informed Practices

Trauma-informed practices are important for library safety. In this module, you will learn how past experiences can influence behavior and how to respond in situations with empathy and compassion. The focus is on creating a safer environment for everyone by prioritizing understanding and respect in all interactions.

Module 3: De-Escalation Techniques

This module provides practical strategies for de-escalating tense interactions. You will learn how to use reflective listening, empathetic language, and controlled body language to calm a situation before it escalates. You'll explore the importance of safety, communication, and choice in the de-escalation process.

Module 4: Boundaries and Self-Care

How do you protect your own well-being before, during, and after difficult encounters? This module will cover how to recognize your role and responsibilities during a crisis or tense situation. You will learn practical tips about personal boundaries and self-care techniques. By the end of the module, you will have a personal list to consult so that you remain safe and effective in your role.

Module 5: Safety in Situations

This final module introduces several real-world scenarios that require specific safety responses, built on your foundational knowledge of conflict management from the previous modules. This module will cover how to approach a mental health crisis and a drug overdose. You will learn best practices for how to react to an active shooter situation. Lastly, you will be introduced to common safety protocols during an emergency environmental crisis and to protests happening in or around your library building. Each real-world situation will offer a framework for assessing situations and deciding on the best course of action to ensure safety for everyone.

WHO SHOULD TAKE THIS COURSE:

This course is designed for public-facing staff and librarians at public libraries.

THIS WILL BE A SELF-PACED, ASYNCHRONOUS COURSE.

EXPECTED TIME COMMITMENT:

This course includes 5 modules, each designed to take approximately 4 hours to complete. You can move through the content at your own pace and on your own schedule. You'll earn 20 hours of PD credit and a Library Journal certificate of completion.

ON-DEMAND ACCESS:

You'll have access to all course materials for six months.

CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION:

Complete the course and earn 20 professional development credit hours. We provide a certificate that is emailed to you.

ACCESSIBILITY:

All video recordings feature auto captioning. Please email course-support@libraryjournal.com upon registration if you require any special accommodations and we will make our best efforts to facilitate them.

SUPPORT:

For support with online courses, please contact course-support@libraryjournal.com.

COURSE ADVISOR

Robert Simmons

Since March 2016, Rob has been Director of Social Services and Public Safety at Oak Park Public Library (IL). Rob is one of the first social workers hired to integrate a social services model into a public library system in the United States. His innovative work has resulted in programs that provide resources such as: free mental health assessments and counseling, educational support for low-income students, supportive housing advocacy, and employment assistance. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Human and Organizational Development from Vanderbilt University, and a Master’s degree in Social-Service Administration from The University of Chicago.

DISCOUNTED RATES ARE AVAILABLE FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY.

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GROUP RATES

We offer discounts for groups of 3 or more.

  For larger groups of 15 or more, we offer the option to apply group rates across multiple courses to receive significant discounts. For more information, select “Bulk Course Credits Packages” in the form below.

Request Discounted Group Pricing

For support with group purchases, please contact groupsales@libraryjournal.com.