In‐service training for academic librarians: a pilot programme for staff

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss the need for continuing professional development for librarians in academic libraries in general and at Rhodes University Library, South Africa, in particular. It aims to describe the planning, design, implementation and evaluation of a staff‐development and training pilot programme for professional librarians at Rhodes Library.Design/methodology/approachA group of 15 librarians, drawn from the library staff complement, participated in an eight‐session training course developed by information services librarians. The course, which covered basic information‐finding skills using a variety of research databases and offered an introduction to concepts in twenty‐first century academic librarianship, was presented using course management software in a face‐to‐face environment and required homework exercises and the completion of a two‐hour final test.FindingsResults of the project demonstrated the urgent need for such development programmes for professional library staff. Of the participants, 80 per cent completed the course. The final test results indicated below average database search skills and an inability to think laterally. An unexpected finding was a lack of IT competencies. Important lessons were learned with regard to course‐construction, content and timing.Originality/valueThe paper illustrates that, by testing a variety of competencies expected of professional academic librarians, this programme provided invaluable data and guidelines on which further continuing staff development courses could be based.

E‐library services: challenges and training needs of librarians in Nigeria

“…That program succeeded in its goals to equip librarians with the new skills to work conveniently in the e-library environment. This was confirmed by participants' comments, such as "I have been better equipped to assist users", "am keen to use what I learnt and explore the databases", "acquired skills and confidence in searching" (Shepherd, 2010).…”

“…According to Adeogun (2006, p. 45), "the changing education landscape and the different formats in which resources are prepackaged have also ushered in new roles for academic librarians who are now actively involved in helping library users to acquire information literacy skills". Shepherd (2010) reported on the in-service training program organized by the Information Services Librarians at the Rhodes University Library, South Africa. It was assumed previously that candidates' skills were sufficient for the manipulation of data.…”

Intellectual capital in accounting and auditing: Assessing the alignment of continuous professional development programs with emerging skills

“…The measurement of learning outcomes is crucial for evaluating the effectiveness of the course learning process and ensuring continuous improvement and quality assurance in education. Without clear learning outcomes, it becomes challenging to assess the attainment of desired competencies and skills (Shepherd, 2010). This lack of clarity in learning goals may have adverse effects on the quality and outcomes of learning relationships at all levels of professional development (Cross, 2013).…”

Expert searching in health librarianship: a literature review to identify international issues and Australian concerns

“…Individualised development programmes were developed to address gaps. Other studies have discussed training needs analyses and programmes 23,82,89–91 . Regarding library school training, researchers have investigated the success or otherwise of transitioning from generalist studies to a specialist role 82,92–94 .…”

“…Other studies have discussed training needs analyses and programmes. 23,82,[89][90][91] Regarding library school training, researchers have investigated the success or otherwise of transitioning from generalist studies to a specialist role. 82,[92][93][94] Others have explored whether formal education in a health-related discipline was an indicator of successful expert searching.…”