This document discusses strategies for dealing with difficult library patrons. It begins by defining difficult patrons as those who complain, are dissatisfied with service, or feel they need to yell to be heard. It then examines different patron personalities and types of difficult patrons. The document outlines what patrons want from customer service and provides tips for communicating effectively with difficult patrons, such as focusing on solutions, sticking with challenges, and giving patrons a way to save face. It emphasizes preparing for difficult situations through policies, communication skills training, and staying responsive rather than reactionary.

1. DEALING WITH DIFFICULT
PEOPLE/LIBRARY CUSTOMER
SERVICE
Kai Williams

2. WHO IS A DIFFICULT PERSON?
 Someone who has a complaint
 Someone dissatisfied with service
 Gives staff a hard time
 Feels they have to yell or make a scene to
get what they want
 Doesn’t like to hear “no”
 Makes your job difficult

3. PERSONALITIES
Introvert Extrovert

4. PERSONALITIES
Thinker
-”In God We Trust, All Others Use
Data”
-Emotional Characteristic: Fear
(Critical)
-Need Fulfillment: Information
- Fear: Fear

5. PERSONALITIES
Relator
- “If It Ain’t Broke, Don’t Fix It”
- Emotional Characteristic:
Non-Demonstrative
- Need Fulfillment: Security
- Fear: Loss of Security

6. PERSONALITIES
Socializer
-”Work Made Fun Gets Done”
- Emotional Characteristic:
Trust/Optimistic
-Need Fulfillment: Acceptance
- Fear: Rejection

7. PERSONALITIES
Driver
- “Be Brief, Be Bright, Be Gone”
- Emotional Characteristic: Anger
- Need Fulfillment: Results
- Fear: Taken Advantage Of

8. TYPES OF DIFFICULT PATRONS
 Mr./Ms. Nice Guy/Girl
 Quiet Types
 School Yard Bullies
 Wait and See Types
 Mr./Mrs. Know –It-All
 Nothing’s Ever Good Enough Types

9. WHAT MAKES A PATRON DIFFICULT
 Lack of good customer service
 Didn’t feel that their needs were met
 Personality conflict
 Having a bad day

10. WHAT DO PATRONS WANT
1. Accessibility
2. Availability
3. Affability
4. Agreeability
5. Accountability
6. Adaptability
7. Ability
To summarize: Nice People; Easy
Process

11. HOW NOT TO SAY “NO”
 Filter
-choose your words wisely
 “Can-Can” rule
-let them know what you can
acknowledge and what you can do
*Only time that you can say “no” is if the
request is impossible or illegal*

12. HOW TO DEAL WITH DIFFICULT
PEOPLE/PATRONS
 Four steps to Communicate with Difficult
Person
1. Establish a Direction-begin with end in mind
2. Focus on the pattern of communication
3. Be flexible
4. Commit to a solution

13. HOW TO DEAL WITH DIFFICULT
PEOPLE/PATRONS
 Two Tips That Will Improve Communication
1. Deal with the situation regardless of how
complicated or emotional it may be
2. Stick with the challenge until your message
is clearly understood

14. HOW TO DEAL WITH DIFFICULT
PEOPLE/PATRONS
How to Let Someone Save Face:
When: The stakes are minimal, a lose-lose
situation exists, or one of the parties doesn’t
want a confrontation
How: Use “I” instead of “You”, avoid
backing the person into a corner, give the other
person a way out.

15. HOW TO DEAL WITH DIFFICULT
PEOPLE/PATRONS
Three important ways to prepare:
1. Create and update policies that reduce
problems and protect staff and patrons
2. Develop communications skills to handle
variety of situations
3. Train all staff in dealing with difficult
patrons
Note* Communication Is Critical When Managing
Difficult Patrons

16. HOW TO DEAL WITH DIFFICULT
PEOPLE/PATRONS
 Be RESPONSIVE and not REACTIONARY
1. Breathe
2. Remember that they have problems you are
not aware of
3. Take notes if needed
4. Get help

17. HOW TO DEAL WITH DIFFICULT
PEOPLE/PATRONS
 Have Trust
 Say “Yes” (find ways to say yes)
 Give Alternatives
 Be Approachable
 Be Respectful and Kind
 Be Flexible
 Be Patient
 Keep it Simple- make it easy
 Be Positive
 Do the Right Thing

18. REFERENCES
ALA Editions Workshop (Producer). (2013). How to deliver great library customer service.
[Webinar] Retrieved from https://alapublishing.webex.com
Customer service: Dealing with difficult personalities. (August 16, 2013). Retrieved online
from www.kirkwood.edu/pdf/upload/838/Ap Difficult Customers.pdf
Richards, T. Dealing with difficult patrons. [PDF document]. Retrieved online August 16, 2013
from
www.warrenlibrary.org/district/files/Difficult_Patrons.pdf