The Collective at Sea 2024

"How can we build necessary and supportive peer relationships when the structures for social connection are limited or don't exist? We build a "pie" network! This session will share considerations for planning and implementing a "summer camp" for employees at one institution, focusing on elements that can translate well to other settings. The summer camp structure can provide libraries' team members with the permission and encouragement needed to make time for enjoying walks, lunch, arts and crafts, and friendly baking competitions during work hours. Highlighting successes and areas for improvement from the existing program at Binghamton University Libraries, this session will dedicate time for attendees to create similar activities based on concepts from slow librarianship, ethics of care, and individual institutional contexts. Based on feedback from summer camp participants, launching a program like this may be a stepping stone to creating cultural change and helping employees find connection with their colleagues.