On Demand Education Sessions

Many industries now stress the importance of racial diversity, but the numbers do not show much progress. In the book industry specifically, Black workers are underrepresented as store owners, may be assigned to positions in the back rather than front of the store, and may observe that titles by Black authors receive less recognition, promotion, and visibility from booksellers. In this session, Adia Wingfield presents data from her forthcoming book Gray Areas to explain how and why these processes persist. Blending interview, survey, and statistical data, Wingfield shows how the everyday, taken-for-granted aspects of work can preclude booksellers from increasing racial diversity, and delivers evidence-based suggestions for how to change this outcome.

 

Speaker:

Dr. Adia Harvey Wingfield, Washington University in St. Louis - St. Louis, MO

 

Social-emotional development refers to a series of critical developmental processes encompassing a child’s ability to express and manage their emotions and form meaningful relationships with peers and adults. Children need support from the adults in their lives in order to facilitate healthy social-emotional development. With an understanding of social-emotional development, booksellers can better understand young customers and create a supportive and inclusive environment. In this session, Dr. Marietta Collins, a child psychologist and children’s author, will explain the stages of a child’s social and emotional development, how traumas and other adverse experiences can disrupt development, and how adults who work with children can help facilitate their growth even through brief supportive interactions.

 

Speaker:

Dr. Marietta Collins, American Psychological Association - Washington, DC

 

Small bookstores (less than 1000 square feet of selling space) have a lot to share with larger bookstores about financial sustainability. This bookseller-led panel will present innovative ideas for how to manage budgeting, buying, displaying, selling, and returns to keep your store financially stable, no matter the size.

 

Speakers:

Kathy Burnette, Brain Lair Books - South Bend, IN

Heather Hebert, Children's Book World - Haverford, PA

PK Sindwani, American Booksellers Association - White Plains, NY

 

Brenna Connor, Books Insights Manager of Circana (formerly NPD), will break down the state of the US children’s book market including key trends to watch, highest growth areas, and performance by genre, format, and age range. This can’t-miss session is based on the latest Circana BookScan data and Brenna’s industry expertise. 

 

Speaker:

Brenna Connor, Circana - New York, NY

Neurodiversity refers to the natural variation of human brain functioning, including conditions like autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and others. Understanding and embracing neurodiversity can have a positive impact on workplace culture, productivity, and inclusivity. In this session, we will discuss practical strategies for accommodating diverse learning, and working styles, as well as the importance of communication and collaboration. We will also address common misconceptions and stereotypes about neurodivergent individuals and provide guidance on how to avoid discrimination and promote respect. Attendees will leave this session with a better understanding of neurodiversity and practical strategies for creating a more inclusive workplace. Bookstore owners and managers are encouraged to attend and learn how to support and empower neurodivergent employees.

 

Speaker:

 

Emily Raclaw, Marquette University - Milwaukee, WI

 

Presented by ZingTrain: The world of work is changing rapidly due to labor movements, the political and economic landscape, health crises, and a multigenerational labor force. Managers are facing unique challenges, as well as opportunities, when it comes to building a happy, productive team. Providing and receiving feedback is a critical part of managing employees and being an employee in a bookstore. However, it can be challenging. In this session, we will explore strategies for relaying feedback that promotes employee development and contributes to a positive workplace culture as well as receiving and responding to feedback that supports an employee in feeling heard and seen. You will learn how to effectively deliver, receive, and respond to feedback that is specific, actionable, and focused on behaviors, rather than personal traits. We will also cover strategies for dealing with difficult feedback conversations and for providing feedback in a timely and consistent manner.

 

Speaker:

Timo Anderson, ZingTrain - Ann Arbor, MI

Storytelling is essential for business innovation. It allows owners and managers to build purpose-driven businesses by dismantling restrictive mental models and challenging the status quo. This workshop, led by novelist and business professor Anna Bruno, will enable you to excavate your origin stories. Storytelling models will rely on Aristotle’s rhetorical triangle (ethos, pathos and logos), as well as the structural techniques of audience engagement (beginnings, endings and transitions). The workshop will help you tell origin stories with memorable detail, break down barriers and build resilient relationships, and adapt stories for various business purposes (marketing, programming, products and services).

 

Speaker:

Anna Bruno, University of Iowa - Iowa City, IA