University of South Carolina, School of Library and Information Science

University of South Carolina, School of Information Science will implement a project to provide insights into the role of empathy in public library practice and how intentional community-building activities (like storytelling) influence staff attitudes and behaviors. The results of this study will deepen understanding of how public library staff perceive and experience empathy in their roles, particularly in interactions with patrons. Through the use of story circles and reflective journaling, the study assesses how these activities influence staff members' perceptions of empathy, their ability to connect with patrons emotionally, and their approach to providing support. Additionally, the study measures the long-term impact of story circles, specifically whether these experiences lead to more compassionate, empathetic interactions with patrons, especially those facing personal crises or challenges. Ultimately, the goal is to improve the quality of library services by fostering greater empathy among staff, benefiting both the workers and the communities they serve.