Defender

Confronting Workplace Violence in Libraries

ONLINE COURSE: FEBRUARY 2026

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Defender Title Logo

Go from uncertainty to action in four weeks.

Course Description

Library workers are facing a growing threat: workplace violence. From verbal abuse to physical threats, the risks are real—and rising. Yet many staff and managers feel unprepared to respond.

The Defender online course is here to help you respond with clarity, care and courage.

Learning Objectives

You will learn how to:

  • Recognize the signs of workplace violence

  • Assess risk factors in your library environment

  • Apply de-escalation and conflict resolution techniques

  • Respond effectively to violent incidents

  • Champion safety and prevention

Course Features

  • Comic speech bubble with "weekly"

    Focused Format

    Weekly classes and manageable course assignments.

  • Comic speech bubble with "For you!"

    Library-Specific

    Designed for unique challenges in library settings.

  • Comic speech bubble with "Pro Help!"

    Learn from Pros

    Delivered by experienced health and safety professionals.

  • Comic speech bubble with "Skills!"

    Real-World Skills

    Practice the skills needed for your context.

  • Comic speech bubble with "Case Studies!"

    Cases and Scenarios

    Discuss examples gathered from real-life!

  • Comic speech bubble with "Peer learning"

    Small Cohort

    Learn alongside peers from the sector.

Outline

Week 1: Understanding the Threat

Explore the forms and impact of workplace violence in libraries.

Week 2: Spotting Trouble

Evaluate policies, identify vulnerabilities and design safer spaces.

Week 3: Responding like a Hero

Learn emergency response, de-escalation, and conflict resolution skills.

Week 4: Building Future Skills

Master communication, teamwork, and long-term resilience.

Download Outline

Course Delivery

  • Orange calendar icon

    4 Weeks

    Create your own action plan in less than a month.

  • Orange clock icon

    12-15 Hours

    Grow your confidence in four live classes (8 hours) and assignments (4-7 hours).

  • Orange peers icon

    Peer Learners

    Capers are more fun with colleagues. Learn from experts and peers.

Class Details

Registration opens: December 1, 2025

Course access: February 1 - 28, 2026

Class dates: February 2, 9, 16, 23

Class times: 1:00 - 3:00 pm ET (10:00 - 12:00 pm PT)

Facilitators

Nic Manson Facilitator
M.J. D'Elia Facilitator

  • Principal Consultant, Manson Methods (Toronto, ON)

    Nic Manson, a safety strategist and occupational hygienist with real library experience (Toronto Public Library). Using superhuman insight, he helps shield organizations from unseen hazards with precision and purpose. He will help you transform your workplace into a fortress of well-being.

    Connect with Nic on LinkedIn

  • Learning Experience Designer, Thirdway Think (Kelowna, BC)

    By day, M.J. is a mild-mannered librarian. By night, he designs curiosity-powered missions that unite minds and spark transformation. After two decades guarding the halls of academia, he now leads his own creative training company. Cape not required.

    Connect with MJ on LinkedIn

Pricing

  • Single Person Icon

    Solo Seat

    $400 CAD / learner

    Register one learner.

  • Two people icon

    Bring a Buddy

    $360 CAD / learner

    Register two learners from the same organization at the same time.

    10% Discount Code: BUDDYUP

  • Five people icon

    Team Up

    $320 CAD / learner

    Register 3+ learners from the same organization at the same time.

    20% Discount Code: TEAMUP

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Course Customizations

Want to bring this training to your whole team?

Need to learn on a different timeline?

Looking for a custom solution?

Let’s talk.

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No obligation.

Download the course outline.

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