Tech Training for Staff:Ohio Tech Core Competencies

Tech Training for Staff:Ohio Tech Core Competencies

Nicole Lee MartinEmerging Technologies Librarian

Grafton-Midview Public Library

Nicole Lee MartinEmerging Technologies Librarian

Grafton-Midview Public Library

Adapted from Sarah Houghton-JanInformation & Web Services Manager San Mateo County LibraryLibrarianInBlack.net

Technology competencies are a list of things staff should know how to do

with technology in order to do their jobs.

Technology competencies are a list of things staff should know how to do

with technology in order to do their jobs.

You don’t need competencies ifYou don’t need competencies if

…every staff member is an expert in every technology you are currently using.

…every staff member is self-motivated to keep up with new technologies and self-train on everything.

…every staff member is an expert in every technology you are currently using.

…every staff member is self-motivated to keep up with new technologies and self-train on everything.

You do need competencies ifYou do need competencies if Some staff know more than others.

You want everyone to be able to help your users equally.

Your library is adding new technologies to the workplace.

The library lacks a coordinated technology training program.

Some staff know more than others.

You want everyone to be able to help your users equally.

Your library is adding new technologies to the workplace.

The library lacks a coordinated technology training program.

OLC’s Competency GuidelinesOLC’s Competency Guidelines

Ohio Library Council Core Competencies

The Ohio Public Library Core Competencies were developed in response to a direct recommendation from the Ohio Library Council's Futures Initiative. Research and compilation was completed by members of OLC's Library Education Committee (LEC).

The competencies are endorsed by the Council as well as OPLIN, State Library of Ohio and OHIONET.

Last revised in 2008.

Ohio Library Council Core Competencies

The Ohio Public Library Core Competencies were developed in response to a direct recommendation from the Ohio Library Council's Futures Initiative. Research and compilation was completed by members of OLC's Library Education Committee (LEC).

The competencies are endorsed by the Council as well as OPLIN, State Library of Ohio and OHIONET.

Last revised in 2008.

OLC Competencies SampleOLC Competencies Sample

Internet and World Wide WebDelete history and temporary Internet filesFill out an online formAdd, delete and organize a bookmark or

favoriteDownload a file from an internet site

Internet and World Wide WebDelete history and temporary Internet filesFill out an online formAdd, delete and organize a bookmark or

favoriteDownload a file from an internet site

Example of Other Important TopicsExample of Other Important Topics

Security Knowledge Know what security software is used on staff

and public computers and how it protects the computers

Identify spam Be aware of the potential security and privacy

threats while using email and the Internet (including cookies, downloading malicious files, unsecured communications, viruses, e-mail hoaxes, spyware, adware, and phishing)

Security Knowledge Know what security software is used on staff

and public computers and how it protects the computers

Identify spam Be aware of the potential security and privacy

threats while using email and the Internet (including cookies, downloading malicious files, unsecured communications, viruses, e-mail hoaxes, spyware, adware, and phishing)

How will competencies help?How will competencies help?

The Library Education Committee believes the competencies will be useful in:

creating job descriptions

in hiring and evaluating staff

revealing training needs

in selecting training opportunities that help staff develop or enhance specific skills and behaviors

In addition:

Addresses feelings of inequity

Help staff adjust and handle change

The Library Education Committee believes the competencies will be useful in:

creating job descriptions

in hiring and evaluating staff

revealing training needs

in selecting training opportunities that help staff develop or enhance specific skills and behaviors

In addition:

Addresses feelings of inequity

Help staff adjust and handle change

The Competency CycleThe Competency Cycle

Getting Staff SupportGetting Staff Support

Have a purpose statement.

Ask staff for their input and use it.

Keep everyone informed at all steps.

Reassure staff that they don’t have to have all competencies now.

Train managers first (if possible).

Managers must allow staff to attend training.

Have a purpose statement.

Ask staff for their input and use it.

Keep everyone informed at all steps.

Reassure staff that they don’t have to have all competencies now.

Train managers first (if possible).

Managers must allow staff to attend training.

Brainstorming for the LeadersBrainstorming for the Leaders

Literature search (find articles & competencies)

Existing position requirements

Professional associations’ requirements

Library’s strategic goals

Literature search (find articles & competencies)

Existing position requirements

Professional associations’ requirements

Library’s strategic goals

Competency TypesCompetency Types

Descriptive

“Understand how e-mail folders work to create an organized file-keeping system.”

Task-based

“Delete e-mails, move e-mails between folders, and archive old e-mails.”

Descriptive

“Understand how e-mail folders work to create an organized file-keeping system.”

Task-based

“Delete e-mails, move e-mails between folders, and archive old e-mails.”

Categories: BroadCategories: Broad

Hardware

Software

Skills

Hardware

Software

Skills

Categories: ModerateCategories: Moderate

Terminology

Hardware

Software

Security

Troubleshooting

Library Resources

Search Skills

Public Computers

Terminology

Hardware

Software

Security

Troubleshooting

Library Resources

Search Skills

Public Computers

California Library Association

Categories: SpecificCategories: Specific

Computer Operation/Setup/Maintenance Word Processing/Introductory Desktop Publishing Spreadsheet/Graphics Databases Networking Media Communications and Integration Design and Management of Learning Environment and

Resources Learning Diversity Social/Legal/Ethical Issues Building Level Technical Support Etc.

Computer Operation/Setup/Maintenance Word Processing/Introductory Desktop Publishing Spreadsheet/Graphics Databases Networking Media Communications and Integration Design and Management of Learning Environment and

Resources Learning Diversity Social/Legal/Ethical Issues Building Level Technical Support Etc.

Colorado Dept. of Education

Format OptionsFormat Options

Format can include one or both elements: the competency and the assessment tool

Formatting could be…

Grid

Short Outline

Narrative paragraphs

Format can include one or both elements: the competency and the assessment tool

Formatting could be…

Grid

Short Outline

Narrative paragraphs

SkillSkill Applies Applies to Jobto Job

MeetsMeets CommentsComments

Open browserOpen browser xx xx

Show/hide Show/hide toolbarstoolbars

Know library Know library URLURL

xx xx

Create Create bookmarksbookmarks

xx Can’t find Can’t find on toolbaron toolbar

Grid 1Grid 1

Grid 2Grid 2

SkillSkill BasicBasic AdvancedAdvanced

Internet BrowserInternet Browser xx xx

Printer Printer TroubleshootingTroubleshooting

xx xx

Catalog SearchingCatalog Searching xx

File OrganizationFile Organization xx

OutlineOutline

Library Resources Be familiar with and able to locate the library’s

technology-related policies & procedures. Be familiar with the library’s intranet, if applicable. Be familiar with the library’s e-resources.

Know the webpage address for your library. Know what resources can be found on your library

homepage. Know the webpage address for the library’s catalog. Know how to search by author, title, keyword, and

subject in the catalog.

Library Resources Be familiar with and able to locate the library’s

technology-related policies & procedures. Be familiar with the library’s intranet, if applicable. Be familiar with the library’s e-resources.

Know the webpage address for your library. Know what resources can be found on your library

homepage. Know the webpage address for the library’s catalog. Know how to search by author, title, keyword, and

subject in the catalog.

California Library Association

Text or web?Text or web?

Use a text or web option. Word document Blog with entries for each competency (tagged) Wiki Simple HTML page

Web options would allow hyperlinks from each competency to a brief “how-to”.

Use a text or web option. Word document Blog with entries for each competency (tagged) Wiki Simple HTML page

Web options would allow hyperlinks from each competency to a brief “how-to”.

Competency TipsCompetency Tips

Beware subjective adjectives If using self-assessments, have

three choices: yes, no, or maybe Provide a technology terms

glossary All new-hires should complete

the assessment

Beware subjective adjectives If using self-assessments, have

three choices: yes, no, or maybe Provide a technology terms

glossary All new-hires should complete

the assessment

AssessmentAssessmentObjective assessment (test or quiz)

Automated by computerManually by supervisor

Subjective assessmentSelf assessing from a

checklist

Who reviews the results of the assessments?

Objective assessment (test or quiz)Automated by computerManually by supervisor

Subjective assessmentSelf assessing from a

checklist

Who reviews the results of the assessments?

Assessment ToolsAssessment Tools

Online (on the cheap)

User SurveyMonkey etc.

Create simple webform

Paper

Multiple choice quiz

Essay questions

True/false questions

Simple Checklist of skills

Online (on the cheap)

User SurveyMonkey etc.

Create simple webform

Paper

Multiple choice quiz

Essay questions

True/false questions

Simple Checklist of skills

Scheduled LearningScheduled Learning

One-on-one buddy system training

Location-by-location training for common and important topics

Large centralized group training

Consultants, in-house trainers?

Hold each session at least twice!!!

One-on-one buddy system training

Location-by-location training for common and important topics

Large centralized group training

Consultants, in-house trainers?

Hold each session at least twice!!!

Unscheduled LearningUnscheduled LearningGive staff 15 minutes a day to study/learn.

Schedule 1 off-desk hour specifically for self-study.

Encourage conference attendance.

Online tutorials, printed materials, demos.

Give staff 15 minutes a day to study/learn.

Schedule 1 off-desk hour specifically for self-study.

Encourage conference attendance.

Online tutorials, printed materials, demos.

Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenberg CountyPublic Library of Charlotte and Mecklenberg County

Learning 2.0 Initiative for staff.

http://plcmcl2-about.blogspot.com/

Finishing staff received MP3 players .

Learning 2.0 Initiative for staff.

http://plcmcl2-about.blogspot.com/

Finishing staff received MP3 players .

Training TipsTraining Tips

Increase training budget.

Keep trainings under 2 hours.

Open trainings to all staff…period.

If using buddy system, match skill levels.

Set goals and rewards.

Use real world examples.

There is such a thing as “untrainable.”

What to do?

Increase training budget.

Keep trainings under 2 hours.

Open trainings to all staff…period.

If using buddy system, match skill levels.

Set goals and rewards.

Use real world examples.

There is such a thing as “untrainable.”

What to do?

Holding People to ItHolding People to It

Annual reviews

Goal-setting

Rewards for success

Consequences for failure

Ongoing training

Transfer

Pay step decrease

Demotion

Annual reviews

Goal-setting

Rewards for success

Consequences for failure

Ongoing training

Transfer

Pay step decrease

Demotion

But you’re so mean!But you’re so mean!

If staff don’t meet the bare minimum required to do the job, who suffers?

Other staff

The image of the library

The customers

Allowing that is what’s mean.

If staff don’t meet the bare minimum required to do the job, who suffers?

Other staff

The image of the library

The customers

Allowing that is what’s mean.

Determining SuccessDetermining Success

Compare first round of assessments to assessments after each round of training.

Survey staff before and after about their confidence in their abilities.

Use anecdotal evidence from tech staff, patrons, managers.

Compare first round of assessments to assessments after each round of training.

Survey staff before and after about their confidence in their abilities.

Use anecdotal evidence from tech staff, patrons, managers.

ReassessmentReassessment

Review competencies Review competencies periodicallyperiodically

New competencies require New competencies require new trainingnew training

Other ResourcesOther Resources

“Skills for the 21st Century Librarian” by Meredith Farkas: http://tinyurl.com/yn93df

“20 Technology Skills Every Educator Should Have” by Laura Turner: http://thejournal.com/articles/17325_1

“Skills for the 21st Century Librarian” by Meredith Farkas: http://tinyurl.com/yn93df

“20 Technology Skills Every Educator Should Have” by Laura Turner: http://thejournal.com/articles/17325_1

To sum it up…To sum it up…

Use the OLC and other competencies as a starting point

Customize the competencies to meet your own organization

Follow the circle of competencies process

See your staff’s tech knowledge grow!

Use the OLC and other competencies as a starting point

Customize the competencies to meet your own organization

Follow the circle of competencies process

See your staff’s tech knowledge grow!