Current Events | Archived Events |  Post/Edit Event | Search | Disclaimer | Contact Us | RSS 

WEBINAR: Change as Opportunity: Staffing the Library for Success

Group/Sponsor: PLL-SIS
Co-Group/Co-Sponsor: AALL/BNA Continuing Education Grants Program

Date: Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Time: 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM - Central Time (U.S. and Canada)

Location: Virtual Event -

Sponsor Type: SIS
Posted By: Vanessa Castillo

Models for delivering services and products have changed dramatically over the years.  Today, our users can answer many of their own questions using the Internet; they look to the librarians for complex research that requires an in-depth understanding of the client's industry and the legal issues involved.  Management is seeking ways to increase efficiencies and lower costs by leveraging the skills and talents of the administrative staff; they look to librarians to work closely with other departments such as marketing to support non traditional library activities such as business development.  Clients expect firms to leverage their knowledge so they don't have to pay to reinvent the wheel; they look to the firm (and, indirectly, the library) to develop knowledge sharing systems.

Even though service models have changed, in many instances our staffing models have not.  Personnel may still be split along traditional public services and technical services lines even though many tasks require a combination of public and technical skills.  In some organizations, the library operates off to the sides, out of the mainstream, rather than being integrated with the rest of the firm. 

So, what do the new staffing models look like?  How do they support the new products and services we are striving to provide?  Why should we change these tried and true models that have served us so well over the years? 

This webinar will take a look at successful staffing models and methods being used in business libraries today and will explain how each one makes it easier to meet the service expectations of our management, users and clients.  These models include integrating library staff with other administrative departments, embedding research librarians in practice groups, developing specializations among the staff, establishing self-serve options, outsourcing selected activities, hiring non-MLS professionals and more.  Two librarians who have implemented new staffing models will discuss what they did and why, and the challenges they overcame along the way. 

Learning Outcome:

• Participants will identify eight staffing models and techniques being used in business libraries today to meet the service expectations of management, users and clients.
• Participants will describe the advantages and challenges that result from implementing three of these staffing models.