Building and Sustaining Positive and Healthy Work Environments

Positive and healthy work environments enhance job satisfaction and workplace engagement and play a significant role in the healthy functioning of library organizations. Higher levels of workplace satisfaction and engagement also contribute to increased productivity, creativity, and performance, and by extension improved services and organizational culture. But how do we define, cultivate, and sustain positive and healthy work environments, particularly in libraries, which are often under-resourced, unappreciated or devalued, or even toxic?

Building and Sustaining Positive and Healthy Work Environments examines the opportunities, challenges, and successes of fostering and nurturing workplace environments that enhance job satisfaction, engagement, and success.

Kim Duckett is the Head of Collections and Research Engagement at the North Carolina State University Libraries, USA, where she leads a dynamic team focused on collection strategy and management, disciplinary instruction, and immersive pedagogy in the Libraries' high-tech visualization spaces. In 2025 Kim became a certified professional coach, and she enjoys facilitation and leading professional workshops.

Nancy Falciani has more than 20 years of experience working in academic libraries. Nancy is currently the Director of the McGraw-Page Library at Randolph-Macon College (RMC) and President of the Virginia Library Association, USA. Her current research examines the organizational environment in academic libraries, how that environment influences creativity and productivity among library employees, and what role library leaders play in cultivating a supportive, inclusive, and innovative work culture.

David H. Ketchum has more than 25 years of academic library experience. David is currently the Director of Resource Access, Discovery, and Delivery at the University of Oregon Libraries, USA, and President of the Northwest Interlibrary Loan and Resource Sharing Conference Board of Directors. David’s professional interests include operational management, library public service, employee development, and strategic planning.