Managing Different Brains

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

• Identify common differences of neurodivergent library employees, including differences in communication, information processing, and sensory needs.
• Explain how these differences can contribute to misunderstandings or conflict among staff and between managers and employees.
• Analyze how your own neurodivergent needs influence your management and leadership practices.
• Implement management approaches that leverage individual strengths while building a more neuroinclusive and collaborative library workplace.

PROGRAM: March 25, 2026

Wednesday, March 25, 2026

Course Introduction | 2:00–2:10 pm ET

An overview of the course goals, structure, and what to expect from the live sessions.

Session 1 | 2:10–3:00 pm ET
Different Brains, Same Team: Strategies to Support Library Staff

In this session, we’ll explore what it really looks like to manage neurodivergent library staff day to day, particularly when differences in communication, information processing styles, or sensory needs lead to tension between co-workers. You will examine practical strategies for coaching employees through misunderstandings and navigating conflict. Drawing on stories from neurodivergent library employees, this presentation centers relationship-building, clear communication, and management approaches that help teams work together more effectively while honoring individual differences.

Break | 3:00–3:10 pm ET

Session 2 | 3:10–4:00 pm ET
Supporting Others Starts with You: Making Sense of Your Own Brain as a Leader

Effective leadership starts with understanding yourself. This session invites you to reflect on your own neurodivergent support needs as a manager. You’ll learn how greater self-awareness can improve communication with staff, support better decision-making, and help you lead in ways that play to your strengths while honoring your own needs as a leader.

COURSE INSTRUCTOR

Dr. Courtney Tsahalis, Director, Millbrook Library

Dr. Courtney Tsahalis is a public library director with over fifteen years of experience in public libraries and a deep passion for library science and community engagement. She earned her PhD in Information Studies from Dominican University in 2025, with research focused on the intersection of public library accommodations and neurodiversity.

She has presented her work at numerous state and national conferences, including NYLA and ALA’s LibLearnX, sharing insights on inclusive library practices and the experiences of neurodivergent individuals. In addition to teaching MLIS courses, she provides professional development opportunities for library staff on topics such as accessibility, inclusion, and neurodiversity.

WHO SHOULD TAKE THIS COURSE

This course is for library directors and managers.

THIS WILL BE A 2-HOUR CRASH COURSE AND WILL INCLUDE

• Live Sessions: Guest speaker presentations by leaders in their field. (All sessions are recorded for on-demand access for six months after the course ends.)
• Facilitated discussions: Audience participation in Q&A and discussion with guest speakers.
• Online Classroom: The virtual learning platform holds all course content and is accessible for six months after the course ends.

EXPECTED TIME COMMITMENT

If you attend or watch the recordings of all live sessions, you will spend approximately 2 hours on this course. You will earn 2 hours of professional development credit and a Library Journal certificate of completion.

ON-DEMAND ACCESS

All live guest speaker sessions are recorded and available on demand for six months following the initial broadcast as part of your purchase.

CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION

Complete the course and earn 2 professional development credit hours. A certificate will be emailed to you upon completion.

ACCESSIBILITY

All guest speaker sessions feature auto captioning and are available on demand after the initial broadcast. Please email course-support@libraryjournal.com upon registration if you require accommodations. We will make our best effort to support your needs.

SUPPORT

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

DISCOUNTED RATES ARE AVAILABLE FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY

Secure your tickets now to lock in the best price.

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 .