Encouraging continuous learning for librarians and library staff

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the issues surrounding professionals whose legacy skills do not align with the new directions in which the academic library is moving. It also examines the ways in which the disappearance of traditional roles impacts librarians and users alike. Design/methodology/approach This paper considers policies for training professionals for their roles in the twenty-first century academic library sphere and identifies skills they will need for these new roles. Findings This paper provides insights into possible solutions for training librarians and library staff so that they will have necessary skills for their future roles. Originality/value This paper will provide library managers with approaches to staff training and a framework for understanding the specific skills that will be necessary for staff to possess in the twenty-first century academic library.

Transforming a university library into a learning organisation

“…Setting the right tone for the library's learning environment is paramount to its success (Decker, 2017). Library leaders need to convince their employees that becoming a learning organisation is necessary to ensure that employees understand and form new values that welcome the learning culture (Limwhichtr et al, 2015).…”

“…• Viewing learning as a natural part of the working day • Encouraging enquiry, curiosity & exploration • Promoting independent, autonomous learning • Recognising and rewarding the effort staff put into their learning and the outcomes they achieved (Decker, 2017) Supervisors demonstrated support for the strategic direction through their own lived experience, developing their own skills as leaders, coaches and mentors as they also invested in learning for their role. In 2018, an informal community of practice for managers was established as managers saw the need to invest in developing their own leadership skills.…”

“…The transformation of higher education has prompted an examination of librarian roles in university libraries (Jaguszewski and Williams, 2013). Predicting and identifying new, diverse and future skills that staff members need in the ever-changing environment of the academic library are difficult (Decker, 2017). As clearly demonstrated in the COVID-19 environment, librarians are frequently challenged to rethink their roles and responsibilities (Ducas et al, 2020).…”

“…In the academic library setting, creating a learning culture positively disposes library professionals to continue learning new skills (Decker, 2017). By becoming a learning organisation with a competent and well-trained workforce, libraries are better equipped to survive and thrive in the continuously changing information environment.…”

“…Engaging staff in shared learning Social-or peer-driven engagement is an important part of cultural transformation, possibly even more than providing strategic direction, giving permission and removing barriers to participation. A culture of learning will foster an environment, wherein librarians and library staff share with each other about their experiences and positively dispose library staff to continue to learn new skills (Decker, 2017). To fully participate in building a digitally enabled learning organisation, library staff need to develop their capabilities alongside their peers (O'Sullivan et al, 2019).…”