Secondment can be a major turning point in a librarian′s careerdevelopment and a cost‐effective method of management training. It isessential that a secondment can be properly…
Abstract
Secondment can be a major turning point in a librarian′s career development and a cost‐effective method of management training. It is essential that a secondment can be properly planned by the host organization and the home library. The author′s experience on a secondment as a liaison officer with the Library Association team at IFLA 1987 is described, and the effect it had on career progression noted.
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Outlines the potential of exhibition and display work in terms ofmarketing a library′s services. Describes how to plan a display project,and highlights some of the trouble spots…
Abstract
Outlines the potential of exhibition and display work in terms of marketing a library′s services. Describes how to plan a display project, and highlights some of the trouble spots commonly encountered in the exhibition work.
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Compares the pattern of a career in the late 1960s, with a careerpattern today. Outlines some of the opportunities and associatedproblems which might be encountered by anyone who…
Abstract
Compares the pattern of a career in the late 1960s, with a career pattern today. Outlines some of the opportunities and associated problems which might be encountered by anyone who wishes to progress in the career stakes.
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Identifies some of the strategic planning implications of introducing anNVQ programme into an academic library Questions what the Fielden Reportreally means in the comments on NVQ…
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Identifies some of the strategic planning implications of introducing an NVQ programme into an academic library Questions what the Fielden Report really means in the comments on NVQ qualifications.
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Outlines, via a series of letters, the problems and rewards ofmentorship among librarians.
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Outlines, via a series of letters, the problems and rewards of mentorship among librarians.
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Helen Greenwood and Marigold Cleeve
In recent years public libraries have increasingly been required to collect data for the assessment of their performance and to inform service developments. The purpose of this…
Abstract
Purpose
In recent years public libraries have increasingly been required to collect data for the assessment of their performance and to inform service developments. The purpose of this paper is to describe an initiative to promote an evidence‐based approach to library management in a UK county library service.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper gives a definition of evidence‐based librarianship and describes how a three‐year study put evidence‐based management (EBM) principles into practice, and the implications for the staff and service as a whole.
Findings
An evidence‐based approach to library management yields considerable benefits in terms of service delivery and staff attitudes to data handling. When staff understand the purpose and benefits of collecting data and have the skills to handle evidence, they are more inclined to take ownership of these processes.
Research limitations/implications
This research is limited to one public library authority in the UK. A key priority for future work is the exploration of how the experience gained in this initiative may be transferred to other library services and domains.
Practical implications
The practical implications of this work are widespread across the service. Staff at all levels seem to have greater awareness of the data collection process and how evidence can be used to inform decisions, both in the day‐to‐day running of the service and in the strategic planning process. The project culminated in the formulation of a performance management resource; a single point of reference for all staff involved in data handling and decision making.
Originality/value
A practical study of evidence‐based librarianship has never before been undertaken on this scale in the UK.
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Looks at the image of librarians and how it has changed over the years.Observes also that librarians must develop other skills, such asmarketing, if they are to survive and go on…
Abstract
Looks at the image of librarians and how it has changed over the years. Observes also that librarians must develop other skills, such as marketing, if they are to survive and go on to a future with promise. Shows that information work in the years 2000‐on may be challenging – but only if librarians are fully prepared.
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Outlines how to deal with unemployment following early retirement or redundancy. Discusses job‐search strategy, and alternative choices for a future career.
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Outlines how to deal with unemployment following early retirement or redundancy. Discusses job‐search strategy, and alternative choices for a future career.
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Outlines, via a fictional dialogue, the preparations for a jobinterview strategy, focusing on the issue of technological change.
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Outlines, via a fictional dialogue, the preparations for a job interview strategy, focusing on the issue of technological change.
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Provides a framework for handling the process of change in alibrary, with particular emphasis on human resource management.Interprets how people react during a process of…
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Provides a framework for handling the process of change in a library, with particular emphasis on human resource management. Interprets how people react during a process of re‐engineering and offers some solutions to possible problems encountered.