Staff Technology Training: 5 Steps to Success

Transcription

1 Staff Technology Training: 5 Steps to Success Sarah Houghton-Jan, MA, MSLIS Digital Futures Manager San José Public Library Author of LibrarianInBlack.net

2 Why Invest in Staff Tech Training? Save money Show institutional commitment to lifelong learning Increase staff retention rate Strengthen staff skills and confidence Improve customer service Increase efficiency and productivity Motivate staff to keep learning

3 Photo by Ricardo Saffi Marques:

4 The Competencies-Based Training Cycle

5 Step 1: Planning and Brainstorming What does your staff need to know how to do with technology to do their jobs well? Photo by Korean Resource Center:

6 Benefits of Using Competencies to Create a Training Program Equitable expectations for all staff Reveals training needs Accurate job descriptions Helps with performance evaluations Consistent customer service Helps staff adjust and handle change

7 Working with Staff to Brainstorm Create the list with staff involvement Brainstorming parties rock! Reassure staff they don't have to know everything now. Fun. Rewards. Food. Solicit input via a blog or wiki.

8 Photo from I Can Has Cheezburger

9 Step 2: Creation Work with a taskforce Representatives from units and branches Representatives from different position classifications Focus on staff input Get management buy-in. DON'T CALL IT COMPETENCIES

10 Some Categories for Staff Skills Terminology Library eresources Hardware Library Catalog Office Software Web Searching Public Computers File Management Social Software Computer and Internet Security Troubleshooting Online Collaboration Tools Staying Current

11 Competencies Best Practices Keep it core Keep it task-based Different positions = different competencies Add to job descriptions & new hire checklist Present list online (blog, wiki, webpage) with each item linked to a how-to New technology? Look at the list again.

12 Step 3: Assessment Assess objectively or subjectively? Online survey tools are easiest Give print option too, if needed The psychology of maybe

13 Post-Assessment Review individual and group results Work with supervisors to create individual training needs list for each employee

14 Trust of the project manager is key

15 Step 4: Training Trainings based on revealed needs All the way from mousing to blogging! Consider in-house, online, and external training opportunities Start with the basic topics Open trainings to all staff period Set goals and rewards Training budget (!)

16 Why should I do this?

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18 Allen County Public Library's Innovation Through Technology Program: Photo by Helene Blowers: /

19 Inspiring Training Use real world examples Make the class fun discussions, exercises Highlight tips and tricks Always have handouts and online materials Encourage student independence Ask students to dream (a to-do list) Create a forum for further collaboration

20 Step 5: Reassessment Annual or biannual reviews Goal-setting for individuals and the library Rewards for success Consequences for failure Next steps for everyone Nurture hidden sparks

21 Tips for a Successful Program Equal application of expectations across the organization Supervisors supporting staff learning Giving staff enough time to be trained Follow up and enthusiasm from management Acknowledgment of success

22 Celebrate Success! Have contests between units/locations Any group that improves 20% on the whole gets a catered lunch Individual rewards are crucial Awards for most-improved individual and group Entire library celebrates Do something out of the ordinary

23 Have Cake! Photos by Homer Township Library: and

24 Recommended Resources Technology Competencies and Training for Libraries (Library Technology Report) by Sarah Houghton-Jan Skills for the 21st Century Librarian by Meredith Farkas 20 Technology Skills Every Educator Should Have by Laura Turner Learning 2.0: Lessons Learned from Play by Helene Blowers

25 Ask her anything. Really! She doesn't bite! I do, though. Questions? Sarah Houghton-Jan LibrarianInBlack@gmail.com IM: LibrarianInBlack Web: LibrarianInBlack.net Torin