Can one learn to lead on the flying trapeze? That's the question prompted by the exotic variations on the theme of experiential learning. By taking employees or executives (or both) out of their work element and putting them through an experience together, training professionals try to create learning that is more meaningful than PowerPoint…

In an effort to increase efficiency and democracy, the modernization of the public sector has involved an increase in market and user control, an increased application of technology, a decentralization of responsibilities and competencies, and more management and personnel development initiatives. The concept of "modernization" signals a…

In spring 1990, the classified staff of the Sierra College Staff Development Committee requested and obtained funding to sponsor four all-day retreats for all classified staff. Participants were assigned to one of the retreats based on their own preferences and an attempt to ensure a cross section of staff at each retreat. As a result of the…

Camp program staff and service staff can "war" and negatively affect campers. Frequent causes are misunderstood roles, conflicting expectations, jealousy, and feelings of being undervalued. Presents ideas for integrating program and service staff in the off season, when staff arrive, and during camp, and for dealing with a "civil…

This paper reports on the use of focus groups at Oakton Community College (Illinois) to connect with classified staff and to get their feedback on key issues. A total of four single-session focus groups, three with classified staff (employees with varying levels of academic preparation and current responsibilities) and one with…

Focuses on effective technology training for library staff. Discusses helping staff overcome technophobia; suiting technology-based jobs with staff members' needs and capabilities; providing a policy/procedure manual to guide the training; the steps that should occur in training; aligning training with in-house library resources and services;…

For camp staff, factors that contribute to the summer doldrums are weather, level of general fatigue, unsatisfied expectations, sensory overload, accumulation of negative "self-talk," and an underlying sense of hurry. Strategies for overcoming summer doldrums involve novelty and stress management, and include promoting health, challenging…

Examines factors that contribute to the development of an organizational culture. Discusses the vision/mission; training; technology, equipment and supplies; and decor/appearance. Describes how one library created a staff-friendly environment through increasing communication between departments and cross-training to provide interdepartmental…

In January of 1996, North Central College (Naperville, Illinois) turned on its campus-wide, PC-based network. A Technology Training Group (TTG) was created; this group focused on technology training for new staff hires, while also considering the ongoing needs of the current employees. Goals of the TTG included bringing new employees quickly up to…

A Vanderbilt University (Tennessee) program designed to instill workplace values in the institution's business and finance areas is described. Program elements include a focus on the values of a specific work group, acknowledgment of the relationship between work performance and institutional success, and recognition of the good work of…

In January 1986, the Learning Resource Center (LRC) of New River Community College in Virginia initiated efforts to increase the level, quality, responsiveness, and adaptability of LRC services. Central to these efforts was an emphasis on employee involvement and empowerment intended to create an atmosphere of trust and teamwork; enhance employee…

Suggests that libraries use a military model of organization, in favor of a big-business approach, to address job dissatisfaction among paraprofessional staff. Military concepts that transfer to the library milieu include clear responsibility delineations, demonstrable recognition of the value of individual workers, continuing education programs,…

Health-promotion programs provided for higher education staff are increasing. They draw on the expertise of physical education and athletic staff, counseling services, and medical centers to encourage employees to adopt lifetime regimens of healthy living. (MSE)

Because the characteristics of children change at different ages, child caregiver knowledge, techniques, and stresses also should vary. The author suggests ways to improve or eliminate three specific stresses of infant/toddler caregiving: low pay and status, physical stress, and emotional stress. Infant caregivers should inform parents about the…

This paper concerns the increasing number of employee counseling programs and the critical issues underlying their credibility. The history and current services of an employee counseling program at Citibank are briefly reviewed. The critical issues for credibility include: (1) a program appropriate to the structure and needs of the organization;…