Core Competencies: What, Why and How Beth Duttlinger, Consultant
Definition Core competencies identify the knowledge & skills needed by library employees to provide superior services. Can be broad to identify key aspects Can be more specific to positions
Broad
Specific Core Competencies April 2009
What's the big deal? Orientation Continuing Ed Job Descriptions Recruitment Interviewing Performance Evaluations
Orientation Standardize Checklist
CE Periodic review Staff input
Job description Identify tasks necessary Abilities needed
Recruitment Write ads Define and articulate skill sets for search team
Interviewing Can assist hiring supervisors and search committees to determine which candidates meet or show potential to develop a particular competency. Question examples
General-Customer Service As a library assistant, how do you ensure that you are providing good service?
Computer/Technology Describe a time you solved a problem using technology.
Information Literacy/Reference Give an example of a time you weren’t sure what a patron wanted. How did you handle the situation?
Integrated Library System Have you ever had to orient another employee on the library’s circulation system? How did you do it or how would you go about doing it?
Evaluations Document special achievements Set realistic goals Improve performance
How to adapt 1. Develop an understanding of core competencies. 2. Review the mission/goals & strategic plan. 3. Develop a list of potential core competencies. 4. Identify relationships and cluster related skills together. 5. Incorporate into corporate culture. 6. Review periodically and consider options for improvement.
Resources delicious.com/thelibrarian Ohio Public Library Core Competencies Ohio Public Library Core Competencies WebJunction - IL Course Catalog for Core Competencies WebJunction - IL Course Catalog for Core Competencies WebJunction - Library Staff Competency Collection WebJunction - Library Staff Competency Collection technologytrainingwheels.pbworks.c om / 23 Things and Core Competencies technologytrainingwheels.pbworks.c om / 23 Things and Core Competencies PLCMC core competencies wiki
What questions do you have?