[withdrawn for ELUNA Learns] The Underrated Art of Saying No: Prioritization and Sustainability in Library Work

Library staff are frequently asked to take on more than their assigned workloads by serving on committees, working groups, pilot projects, and other collaborative initiatives - all important work, but not all equally impactful. Over time, the cumulative effect of "yes" can lead to disengagement, burnout, loss of focus, and reduced capacity to deliver meaningful outcomes. This session explores the often underrated professional skill of saying "no" and reframing it as a strategic way of saying "yes" to higher value work. Drawing on real-world experiences, we will discuss how to evaluate requests, align commitments with organizational and professional goals, and communicate boundaries. We will also reflect on why certain roles are more vulnerable to overcommitment, and how organizational and professional library culture can unintentionally reward availability over impact. Participants will learn how thoughtful prioritization can strengthen both individual effectiveness and institutional outcomes.