Introduction

During my career, I have been part of many changes, including major restructures, huge building redevelopment projects and everything else in the environment of flux in modern libraries; change is not only inevitable but essential, from policy changes in government and technological advance - ments to shifts in user behaviours. No matter what our role in libraries, we must continually adapt to meet evolving needs. However, change can often be challenging, fraught with uncertainty and resistance from staff and the communities we serve. This chapter examines how libraries can navigate these inevitable transformations, not with trepidation but with an approach rooted in kindness and wellbeing.

The chapter's principal goal is to guide library staff at all levels in understanding how kindness and wellbeing can act as essential tools for implementing and accepting change. It is not a complete change management guide; many are out there. However, it offers practical strategies and insights derived from research and lived experience to ensure that change is managed and welcomed as a positive force for growth and service improvement.

Understanding the motivations for change and having a clear sense of reality is essential. It's important to recognise when something meets the threshold of ‘good enough’ and to take pride in reaching that point. Focus on measuring what truly matters. The success of any change is ultimately determined by the people it affects, as change is a profoundly personal experience, as are the emotions it generates.