Technical services departments are increasingly expected to do more with less, which means that finding a balance between meeting service demands and developing staff knowledge and skills is more challenging than ever. Today's next gen catalogs, changing cataloging rules, and diverse formats and delivery models demand that technical services…

Fewer employees, shorter hours, diminished collection budgets, reduced programs and services--all at a time of record library usage. In this book, library expert Carol Smallwood demonstrates that despite the obvious downsides, the necessity of doing business differently can be positive, leading to partnering, sharing, and innovating. This…

In this new, expanded edition step-by-step guidelines are provided for customizing a staff development program that is both proactive and goal-oriented. Drawing on the advice of 37 top experts with a variety of skill sets, this book presents information on how to assess a library's needs and set training goals, budget appropriately, develop a set…

This paper presents a description of the Old Dominion University's (Virginia) Reference Librarian Orientation Program designed to ease the transition of reference librarians new to the school and its reference department. The program introduces the reference librarian to the library, the reference department, and the university itself and consists…

This book provides a format for taking information traditionally collected by library media specialists and showing how it can be used to examine existing programs or to document the need for a program change. Field-tested in several school districts, this new tool includes all the necessary forms and worksheets school media specialists will need…

There is mounting concern about the adequacy of both preparatory and continuing professional education of academic librarians. The staff development cost model presented identifies cost categories, provides a method to break down costs per participant, and outlines a technique to compare the cost-effectiveness of different training methods. (CLB)

Emphasizes the necessity for libraries to implement strategic planning for information technology. Topics discussed include assessing strengths and weaknesses; the allocation of resources; an OCLC report that surveyed member libraries to determine their planning activities; long-range planning; the need for flexibility; integrating planning with…

Technological, social, legal, economic, educational and political advances have greatly affected the management of staff who have had to adapt to such developments as networking, the independence of educational institutions, income generation, compulsory competitive tendering, quality management and user consultation. This book is a guide to staff…

Suggests ways of addressing challenges faced by district library media supervisors by focusing energies on those departmental outcomes likely to make greatest difference in lives of staff and students. Taking care of self, setting and honoring priorities, working from staff development perspective, and effective skill teaching are highlighted. (8…

This document provides an overview of the concepts and processes behind reference services and the most important sources consulted in answering common reference questions. The book is divided into two parts. Part 1 deals with concepts and theory. It covers ethical aspects of reference service, the reference interview, the principles and goals of…

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) Library participated in the statewide conversion to a new integrated library system in the summer of 2002. Prior to the system's implementation, various local and statewide committees coordinated efforts to train their staffs so as to ensure a seamless transition. This case study analyzes, in…

Like most academic libraries, Purdue University Calumet depends heavily on student workers for its daily operations. After the investment of time and effort involved in training student workers, it is important to retain them from one year to the next. This case study examines training procedures that are designed to cultivate a sense of mutual…

Arguing that online searching will fill the research needs of many students while helping to reinforce valuable information retrieval skills that will support students in their pursuit of life-long learning, this guide is designed to assist school librarians with integrating online searching into the school library media curriculum. Chapter 1…

This resource guide briefly defines, describes, outlines, and exemplifies a program with the goal of reaching library employees and library users with a message that states the positive benefits of enhanced collection preservation, longevity, usability, and access. The guide is organized and arranged to enable a library to evaluate its current…

This book defines and clarifies the role of the school library media specialist in a technology enhanced school, and provides relevant examples and advice on such topics as budgeting, facilities design, planning, and public relations and staff development. Each chapter includes anecdotes, examples, and quotations from various sources. The book…