Name: Beyond the Stacks: Addressing Burnout in Librarianship Through Compassion and Self-Care
Start: 2026-04-30T13:30:00-0600
End: 2026-04-30T14:20:00-0600

Welcome to the 2026 Saskatchewan Libraries Conference! We are thrilled to have you joining us for this incredible professional development and networking opportunity.

Registration Desk
Make sure you check in to the conference at our registration desk before heading off to any meals or sessions! Here you can pick up your name tag and ask any questions you might have. The registration desk will be open from 6:45 am to 3:00 pm on Thursday, April 30, and from 7:30 am to 3:00 pm on Friday, May 1.

Using the Sched App
Use this app to build your personalized conference schedule! You will find some things have already been added to your schedule (such as meals and key speakers), but everything else is up to you.

We also encourage you to turn on the "Public Profile & Schedule" option under the "My Account" tab. This will add you to the public attendee list, helping you to connect with other delegates and helping them connect with you. This is optional.

Conference Sponsors
SLA gratefully acknowledges our many event sponsors! Without their generous support, this conference would not be possible! We gratefully acknowledge all sponsors in the "Sponsors" Tab.

Exhibitors
Make sure to visit the Exhibitor Hall located in the Gallery B! The Exhibitor Hall will be open on Thursday, April 30, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, with the Exhibitor Social taking place from 3:00 to 4:00 pm. Join us at the Social to visit with the exhibitors while enjoying appetizers and non-alcoholic drinks, and the chance to win great prizes!!

Beyond the Stacks: Addressing Burnout in Librarianship Through Compassion and Self-Care

Thursday April 30, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm CST

Qu'Appelle Room

Librarianship is a profession built on service, connection, and intellectual care — yet behind the calm and helpful demeanor, many library professionals face increasing demands, emotional strain, and invisible stressors that can lead to burnout. From public service pressures and information overload to the emotional labor of supporting diverse communities, librarians are often so focused on helping others that they neglect their own well-being.

This presentation explores the unique challenges of burnout and compassion fatigue within the library field, offering insight into how sustained empathy without replenishment can erode mental health and job satisfaction. Participants will learn to recognize early warning signs of burnout and explore practical, evidence-based approaches for cultivating resilience. Topics include mindfulness in the workplace, boundary setting, peer support, and developing a culture of self-compassion within library teams.

By reframing self-care as both a personal and professional responsibility, this session invites librarians to nurture their own well-being as a foundation for sustainable service. Attendees will leave with actionable tools to help them balance compassion for patrons with compassion for self—reigniting purpose and joy in their work.

Speakers

Katharine Carter

Owner, Carter's Counselling Services

Katharine Carter is the owner of Carter's Counselling Services, which has been operating since 2020. Katharine has a strong passion for families and is one of the co-founders of the Martensville Youth Connection in Martensville. Katharine is the recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Me... Read More →

Thursday April 30, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm CST
Qu'Appelle Room

50-Minute Sessions

2026 Saskatchewan Libraries Conference: Libraries Open Doors

Katharine Carter

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2026 Saskatchewan Libraries Conference: Libraries Open Doors

Katharine Carter

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