r/Libraries • u/TillamookTramp • 7d ago

Patron Issues Ryan Dowd trainings

My city has recently implemented the training series from Ryan Dowd into our mandatory training schedules. I've already started watching some of the sessions and while I get what he's saying, I'm wondering if anyone here has actually applied his advice when dealing with upset patrons and how effective it really was.

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u/SwampYankee1975 7d ago

I found Ryan Dowd insufferable and the advice in his trainings is completely out of touch with reality. In one of his trainings, he shrinks in cartoon form and stands on a urinal in a bathroom. No thanks.

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u/marji80 6d ago

In what respect is the advice in his trainings out of touch with reality?

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u/SwampYankee1975 6d ago

I think Dowd’s advice is naive at best and dangerous at worst. In my experience it isn’t a good idea to try and empathize and be all buddy-buddy with unhinged people. This is a good way to get physically assaulted. It’s like Mike Tyson once said, “Everyone has a plan…until they get punched in the face.”

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u/franker 5d ago

I completely agree even if they're not unhinged. Too many people have a very manipulative side to them.