"Take Care" – A Small Shift with a Big Impact in Academic Libraries

In the world of academic libraries, communication is everything. As library professionals, we write countless emails—whether responding to faculty requests, guiding students through research, or collaborating with colleagues on initiatives. Every word we choose shapes perceptions, even down to how we sign off.

For years, I defaulted to “Best” or “Regards” as my email closings. These sign-offs are efficient, neutral, and professional. But they are also impersonal. I rarely thought about how they landed with the reader—until I made a change.

I began signing off with “Take care.”

This subtle shift wasn’t just a personal preference; it was an experiment in relational communication. And the response surprised me.

The Power of a Closing Statement

Email etiquette in academia often prioritizes formality, efficiency, and clarity. We work within a culture where communication is transactional—focused on getting the job done. But what happens when we inject a bit of humanity into that transaction?

“Take care” is different from “Best” or “Regards” in one key way: it acknowledges the well-being of the recipient. It signals care, even in a small way, in an environment that is increasingly burdened by burnout, precarity, and institutional pressures.

A Shift in Perception

Almost immediately, I noticed a change in how people responded to my emails. Faculty and colleagues who once sent brief, transactional responses started mirroring my tone. Some reciprocated with “Take care” in return. Others added warmth to their replies, sharing a personal note or expressing appreciation. Even in difficult conversations, “Take care” seemed to soften the exchange, making space for empathy in professional communication.

At the same time, I realized that this shift wasn’t just about how others perceived me—it also changed how I engaged with email itself. Instead of seeing each message as another task to check off, I approached email with more intention. Each message became an opportunity for connection, however small.

Implications for DEIA in Academic Libraries

Language matters, especially in environments that strive for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA). In academic libraries, where we often serve as connectors between students, faculty, and institutional policies, the way we communicate reflects our values.

Shifting our tone in email—whether through our closings, greetings, or the way we phrase requests—can reinforce a culture of care. For adjunct faculty who may feel disconnected from campus life, for first-generation students navigating complex systems, and for staff balancing heavy workloads, a simple “Take care” can be a small but meaningful affirmation.

This doesn’t mean that “Take care” is the right choice for everyone. But it does raise an important question: How does our language reflect the kind of workplace and learning environment we want to build?

Beyond Email: Rethinking Professional Communication

This experiment in changing my sign-off has led me to rethink other aspects of communication in academic libraries:

• Do we default to overly formal, bureaucratic language that alienates rather than invites dialogue?
• Are our messages inclusive, ensuring that students and faculty from different backgrounds feel seen and supported?
• Do we allow for warmth and care in professional spaces, or do we prioritize efficiency at the expense of human connection?

“Take care” may be just two words, but the shift it represents is larger. In an academic landscape where kindness can sometimes feel secondary to productivity, small choices in language can foster a more inclusive and empathetic workplace.

So, the next time you sign off an email, consider the impact. Maybe, like me, you’ll find that a small change in language leads to a deeper change in connection.

How do you approach email communication in your academic library? Have you experimented with different tones or sign-offs? I’d love to hear your experiences.