Sample interview questions: How do you handle situations where library users are engaging in disruptive or disrespectful behavior towards children or young adults in the library?
Sample answer:
- Observe and Assess the Situation:
- Remain alert and observe the behavior of the user.
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Determine the severity of the behavior and assess the potential risk to the children or young adults.
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Empathize and Validate:
- Approaching the situation with empathy for the child or young adult and the duty of care as a library professional.
- Acknowledge the child’s or young adult’s feelings and concerns.
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Let the child or young adult know that their safety and well-being are important to you.
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Private Intervention:
- Politely and privately approach the user causing the disruption or being disrespectful.
- Explain the library’s behavior policies and expectations for respectful conduct.
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Encourage the user to modify their behavior or, if necessary, offer them alternatives such as moving to a different area of the library.
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Intervention with Escalation:
- If the user’s behavior continues to be disruptive or disrespectful, escalate the intervention.
- Involve a supervisor, manager, or security personnel to address the situation.
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Follow library policy and protocols for handling disruptive behavior.
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Protect the Child or Young Adult:
- If the user’s behavior poses a direct threat to the child or young adult, take immediate action to protect them.
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This may involve asking the user to leave the library, calling security or law enforcement, and/or moving the child or young adult to a safe locat… Read full answer
Source: https://hireabo.com/job/18_0_15/Public%20Services%20Librarian