Do Library Staff have what it takes to be a librarian of the future? Karen Kealy People in the Information Profession Conference Melbourne 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 21 st century? Introduction of the Melbourne Model Introduction of a service model Align training program and service model

People in the Information Profession 2009 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

People in the Information Profession 2009 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

People in the Information Profession 2009 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

People in the Information Profession 2009 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

People in the Information Profession 2009 Library of The Future Service Model

People in the Information Profession 2009 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

People in the Information Profession 2009 Tiered Service Delivery Model

People in the Information Profession 2009 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

People in the Information Profession 2009 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

People in the Information Profession 2009 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

People in the Information Profession 2009 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.”

People in the Information Profession 2009 Certificate III in Library/Information services 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

People in the Information Profession 2009 Cadetship Program Implemented in 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

People in the Information Profession 2009 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

People in the Information Profession 2009 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

© Copyright The University of Melbourne 2008