Given that industry commentators are currently observing that roles traditionally performed by librarians are under threat from others with non-information backgrounds, and that Google has all the answers, there has never been a more important time to show the unquestionable benefits that a trained information professional can deliver. Therefore, it is timely that this new manual is available, not only to provide useful guidance on how to effect a comprehensive training programme, but also to promote the undoubted prerequisite for effective training and marketing if our profession is to rise to today's challenges.
With a background in training and development, records management, information science and special librarianship, the author draws from a wide range of experience, based on working in organisations such as Surrey County Council, the Ministry of Defence and the Football Association, to compile this introduction to library staff training. In addition, the author has canvassed colleagues worldwide to determine what materials they have used to train staff, and accordingly, what materials should be included in a guide such as this.
Sensibly, the opening chapters consider the variety of competencies and skills that are desirable for an effective and efficient information professional, in conjunction with the need to identify where any deficiencies lie. The effective implementation of a training needs analysis and use of performance appraisals, to ensure that the subsequent delivery of training is correctly targeted, is considered in some detail.
There is also a chapter on how to successfully market one's own skills and experience by using an attention-grabbing CV, and giving an effective performance at interview. Additionally, consideration is given to the importance of understanding how people learn, and reference is made to the theories of eminent thinkers such as Honey and Mumford, Bloom and Kolb, with the inclusion of tables and diagrams.
A systematic approach to developing training courses is described, including important elements such as timetabling, presentation and advertising of courses, as well as details such as room temperature and signposting, which can be problematic and easily overlooked. The author also provides a useful list of topics on which library staff might benefit from training, including core library skills, such as desk research and customer service skills, as well as perhaps less obvious themes, such as reflective practice, marketing and service level agreements.
Having dealt with the more traditional ways of delivering course content, the author draws on experience gained whilst working for organisations such as the London Library and Information Development Unit to suggest some alternative, more unconventional methods of training. This section will be of particular interest to experienced people who are looking for a more informal, and perhaps more challenging, way to address training needs. Methods such as mentoring and coaching are explored and references to authorities such as Whitmore and Clutterbuck provide the reader with the opportunity to further explore such techniques. Lest we forget that the ability to manage people can often make or break a successful training session, there is also useful guidance on how to facilitate training sessions and, in particular, in dealing with individuals, how to identify group dynamics, and how to handle conflict.
The author draws our attention to a range of academic, professional and vocational learning opportunities available to enhance skills and knowledge and, as an example of a professional scheme, looks at the framework of professional qualifications that CILIP (Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals) offers. This section could be particularly useful for the more experienced information professional who is looking to build upon knowledge and skills already acquired.
Each chapter follows a similar format, generally with an introduction and summary, with content broken down into short sections, bullet points, checklist, tables and diagrams. This makes the text less dense and the layout logical and accessible for a novice, but also serves as a handy quick reference refresher for the more experienced reader to dip into. Multiple references to relevant authorities add weight to the commentary and provide those left wanting to know more with the opportunity to follow up the references in the extensive reading list and bibliography. There are also a number of appendices which offer standard documentation that readers can adapt for use within their own organisation, along with checklists and the text of CILIP's certification scheme and chartered membership handbooks for reference. The contents pages are clearly laid out and index pages are sufficiently detailed.
This book is well researched and draws on the author's wide experience gained from a number of posts held mainly in the public sector. Tried and tested methods offer a solid basis for those looking for a starting point, as well as providing a benchmark for more experienced information professionals seeking to validate or develop their existing approach to training. The concluding chapter stresses why training, development and learning are issues which must be continually addressed by today's information professionals. Sentiments with which, in these challenging times, I couldn't agree more.
