Events

Events are generally organised by the Mercian's Special Interest Subgroups, with the Staff Development Group having a particular remit to deliver an annual programme of development events for member library’s staff.

Event Suggestions

We always welcome suggestions for themes or topics for future events. If you’ve got an idea or request for a particular theme or event you’d like to see, please contact us and tell us your thoughts.

Eligibility

Physically hosted events are normally only open to attendance by library staff coming from Collaboration member organisations. Exceptions to this rule are made at the hosting venue’s Library Director’s (or equivalent) discretion or on application to the Steering Group in their absence. 

While online events are also primarily hosted for and marketing to library staff from Collaboration member organisations, academic library staff from institutions outside of the region may be admitted at the event organiser’s discretion.

Attendees from commercial organisations are not normally eligible to attend Collaboration events, unless specifically invited as speakers by the host or as the result of conference sponsorship arrangements.

Note: Most events continue to be online only, unless otherwise noted.

Code of Conduct

All attendees should conduct themselves as they would in a professional, workplace environment. Session hosts are empowered to mute or remove any participants breaching these expectations during the event. Please see our Online Events Etiquette guidance for more details.

Upcoming Events

Title Date Location Description
Dealing with Difficult Customers (December 2023) 12 December 2023 - 1:00pm to 4:00pm Pilkington Library, Loughborough University, Loughborough, LE11 3TU Dealing with difficult customers Loughborough University  Tuesday 12th December 2023  Most of us will at some time or another experience difficult situations with certain people or certain types of behaviour in others; be this aggression, sarcasm, put-downs, threatening or abusive behaviour. This session will help to build confidence and skills in dealing with these situations in a positive and effective way.  Time: 1.00-4.00pm Drinks and registration from 1.00-2.00 – bring your own lunch and take the opportunity to network with colleagues whilst eating it. The session on dealing with difficult customers will run between 2.00 - 4.00 Venue: Pilkington Library, Loughborough University, Loughborough, LE11 3TU Optional tours can be arranged on the day if people are interested. This afternoon seminar will include: Begin to build your own resilience to these situations. Handle aggressive, angry, upset and unresponsive individuals more effectively. Recognise the different types of difficult customers we may come into contact with. Understand different behaviour types and begin to feel more confident and assertive. Understand the importance of our own reactions when dealing with difficult customers. The seminar will be led by: Matt Cunningham, User Services Manager, Loughborough University Library Audience: This event is aimed at front line Library staff who deal with customers – in whatever guise they take. Booking: via Ticket Tailor. https://www.tickettailor.com/events/loughboroughuniversitylibrary/1052809 Travel: Travel directions and a campus map are available from the Loughborough University website. Security at the Gatehouse to the University will inform you where to park upon arrival if driving – it is likely to be in the campus’s multi-storey car park, which is a five minute walk from the Library. There will be a small charge for parking. If travelling via train, the Kinch bus from the train station will stop outside the Library. Further enquiries: Please contact Matt Cunningham M.S.Cunningham@lboro.ac.uk