Discussion Questions

  1. What procedures should we consistently follow when an employee announces their departure, and how can we ensure these steps align with our library’s strategic priorities?
  2. How do we provide appropriate closure for staff and patrons when an employee leaves, regardless of whether circumstances are positive, neutral, or challenging?
  3. Which elements of the exiting employee’s institutional knowledge need to be captured, and what tools—such as desk manuals or checklists—should we use to support continuity of services?
  4. What opportunities or formats (written survey, conversation, optional meeting) should we offer for exit interviews, and how can we make them meaningful for both the employee and the library? 
  5. How should we communicate the transition to the rest of the staff and engage them in creating a plan to bridge staffing gaps until the position is filled?
  6. What boundaries or guidelines do we need in place for situations where departing employees wish to continue engaging with the library? 

Questions written by Microsoft Copilot from the webinar outline.