do library staff have what it takes to be a librarian of the future? karen kealy people in the...

Do Library Staff have what it takes to be a librarian of the future?Karen Kealy

People in the Information Profession Conference Melbourne 15-16 October 2009

People in the Information Profession 2009

Drivers• Vision and planning for the Library of the

Future• What will the Librarian of the future be like?• How do we skill people up to keep them

relevant in the 21st century?• Introduction of the Melbourne Model• Introduction of a service model• Align training program and service model


• Workforce planning for the Library of the Future

• Analysis of workforce profile of the library staff

• Implications for service delivery and training needs

• Identify skill gap

• Develop training program

Dreaming 08


Workforce planning implications such as:• Ageing workforce• Low staff turnover• Potential loss of knowledge and

expertise• Low salaries• Managing labour supply for the future• Need to develop a succession plan• Career development and career options


What have we done at Melbourne?• Identified training gaps and skill shortages• Worked with Kangan Batman TAFE to

develop a Cert III training program• Nationally accredited training program• Program commenced in September 2008• Worked with Box Hill Tafe to offer Cert III

Library/Information Services subjects • Set up a cadetship program


Development of a Service Model• Aiming to deliver services under a

consistent, quality assured framework• Service catalogue reviewed and

updated to reflect services offered• Service Delivery Managers (SDMs) and

Service Owners appointed• Service metrics developed• Tiered service delivery model


Library of

The Future

Service

Model

Library Service Portfolio

Library Service Catalogue

Library Service Model

Retired Services

Library Service Pipeline

Service Design

Service Transition

Clients Requirements

Strategic Alignment

Project Business Case

Continual Service Improvement

Resources: financial, people, processes, culture etc.

Resources engaged

Return on assets from service operation

Resources released

Continual Service Improvement


Tiered Service Delivery model developed• Will be introduced gradually as library spaces

refurbished and staff skills updated• Aim is to ensure timely, efficient and effective

provision of services• Improved response rates for client queries• Structured career path for Library staff• Resource efficiencies• Opportunities for staff specialisation• To develop broad based depth of knowledge


Tiered

Service

Delivery

Model

TIER 0: Self-Service

TIER 3· Depth and

Complexity· Subject

Specialisation

TIER 2· Breadth of

Knowledge· Information

Expertise

TIER 1· High Volume

Student/Academic Services

Circa 60 %

Circa 25 %

Circa 15%

Clie

nt In

tera

ctio

n

Lib

rary

Sta

ff C

are

er P

ath

Spe

cific

Kno

wle

dge

& D

omai

n E

xper

tise


Attributes for the Librarian of the Future

• flexible and capable of adapting to shifting University and client priorities,

• aligned to Library goals and where staff understand how their actions fit, and

• capable - with the staff, skills and know-how required to perform processes that execute Library strategy and create value


Achievements to date• Kangan program of a Certificate III in Printing

and Graphic Arts (Multimedia) 17 completed• 4 subjects offered in Certificate III Library

Technicians Course through Box Hill TAFE• Staff given time to attend classes on site• Costs met by Library• Staff completed work related projects for

assessment• Set up a cadetship program for new

graduates, 2 staff employed


Kangan program

• Feedback from staff has been very positive 17 out of original 20 completed

• Staff impressed with Kangan teaching staff

• All staff undertook a work based project for their assessment

• Celebration of success with a graduation ceremony


Comments from staff“I have more confidence using a PC, happier to try different things knowing

how changes can alter the outcome, making it easier to achieve success in my work, without constantly have to seek assistance from workmates. “

“What we are learning is useful to up skill our knowledge. Even though we do not apply these skills directly at work, the knowledge we gained in the course is helping us in so many ways to trouble shoot problems at work.”

“The course is very informative and is also a great bonding exercise with colleagues. The course also gives a structured grounding into approaching multimedia projects. “

“Personal and work development can only be improved. It can also benefit some staff who have gotten used to sitting only at their desk and doing certain things. From an organisational perspective I think it can act as something of a jolt to what are probably quite entrenched thinking patterns for some staff.”


Certificate III in Library/Information services 2008-2009

• Program aimed at HEW 3-4 staff• Up to 17 staff have participated• 3 subjects offered to date

– Develop and use Information Literacy skills– Search databases– Provide Quality Service to customers

• Positive response from staff


Cadetship Program• Implemented in 2009• 2 graduates employed• Based in a discipline based library

– Economics and Commerce– Education

• Rotations to other library departments• Provide support in undertaking library

qualifications• Mentored by experienced librarians• Succession planning within the Library


Where to next?• Participating in these programs has motivated

some staff to take continue further study• Library management need to ensure staff

incorporate learning into their work• Opportunities for staff to progress their

careers• Evaluation of training program• Create environment of continuous learning


Conclusion

• Commitment to the Library profession

• Commitment to our staff

• Commitment to the University to have skilled staff to deliver services

• Review and monitor over time

• Measure and celebrate our success

• Aim to be a Library of the Future

do library staff have what it takes to be a librarian of the future? karen kealy people in the...

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