Suits Meet the Stacks: Drawing Emotional Intelligence (EQ) Parallels for Academic Libraries

Drawing parallels from the TV series Suits, this paper investigates the role of emotional intelligence (EQ) in fostering positive workplace culture, specifically within academic libraries. While the high-octane world of corporate law might seem disparate from the calm corridors of academic libraries, the interpersonal dynamics and challenges faced are strikingly similar. Central to this discussion is the recurring motif in Suits: the power of dialogue. Through characters like Harvey Specter and Donna Paulsen, the show emphasizes that open communication can be the key to resolution, even in high-pressure environments. Moreover, with the introduction of "The Donna," a unique AI tool, Suits provides a lens to examine the interplay between technology and EQ, raising questions about the true essence of human communication and its irreplaceability. This paper explores these themes, offering practical strategies for academic libraries to bolster EQ, enhance user experience, and ensure technology complements, rather than replaces, genuine human interaction.