Penn State University Libraries - Civility Team Charge

Civility Team Charge

Sponsors:

Dean of University Libraries and Scholarly Communications and Assistant/Associate Deans

Membership:

Linda Klimczyk, Chair, and Jacqueline Peagler, Co-Chair

Jackie Esposito, Lindsey Harter, Joyce Harwell, Ralph Homan, Alexia Hudson, Jeff Knapp, Katherine Lewis, Rachel Masilamani, Shenetta Selden, Loanne Snavely, Billie Walker

Charge:

Employ a total quality management approach to improve the climate in the University Libraries by addressing and retooling skill sets of employees to deal with civility and rankism (classism) issues. The ultimate goal is to build a culture of respect and to value everyone’s unique contribution to the University Libraries.

Purpose:

The purpose of forming this team rather than carrying out this effort as part of the normal activities of the Diversity Committee is to spread ownership and a sense of responsibility for this effort throughout the organization as a grassroots effort.

Task List:

1. Senior management and the Diversity Committee charter the project, identifying timeline, metrics, outcomes expected and assign a task force whose membership represents the spectrum of employees in the University Libraries to implement the plan.
2. Libraries-wide effort
   1. Launch this program with presentation by Robert Orndorff and Dulin Clark discussing their new book: The PITA Principle.
   2. Define vision of culture of respect and create civility code as a Libraries-wide social effort involving anyone who wants to be involved (keeping in mind existing University and Library policy.)
   3. Library management, supervisors, and staff share vision and civility code at the unit level.
   4. Give people tools for dealing with disrespect and incivility at work.
      1. Launch “Speak Up Louder” program (Based on Speak Up but extended to cover civility, respect, rankism issues, Continue Speak Up to address diversity issues)
      2. Investigate avenues of consultation, benchmarking, and resources to: 
         1. Educate staff on how to resolve problems, reporting channels, etc.
         2. Offer programming related to civility, respect, and rankism (e.g., HRDC Classism program, Climate Control – promoting mutual respect in the workplace, etc.)
3. Metrics
   1. Devise plan for collecting data and information to monitor benefits and improvements, areas for further improvement (e.g., surveys, questionnaires, suggestions, exit survey information, etc.).
   2. Provide regular feedback to the library community.
4. Recognition for ongoing success.
1. Devise plan for recognizing, communicating, and celebrating successes.
5. Reassess and report back to library community; recommend next steps.

Resources Needed:

Budget request:

    $500 for Orndorff, presentation: purchase of 10 books plus honorarium
    $1,000 for programming/speaker costs
    $250 for miscellaneous costs including publicity, event supplies, etc.
    Total requested: $1,750 (from existing Diversity Committee budget and Library Human Resources Training budget)

Deliverables:

Quarterly progress meetings with sponsors and library community, Programming, Metrics, Final Summary Report with recommendations for future actions. Final report includes recommendation as to how this effort will be maintained in the future and by whom.

Time Frame:

February 2009 Kickoff with final assessment and next steps delivered in June 2010.

References:

Orndorff, R. & Clark, D. (2009). The PITA principle : how to work with and avoid becoming a pain in the ass. Indianapolis: JIST Pub.

Rennie Peyton, P. (2003). Dignity at work : eliminate bullying and create a positive working environment (1st ed.). Hove ; New York: Brunner-Routledge.

Tehrani, N. (2001). Building a culture of respect : managing bullying at work. London: Taylor & Francis.

Approved by DLC, January 12, 2009