Overview

This practical guidebook presents an infrastructure for training library staff, starting with a robust onboarding process and continuing through a staff member's entire duration at an institution.

Because library services and resources can change rapidly, ongoing training is an important aspect of library operations. Training can be a particular challenge at large, multi-branch library systems, because it can be difficult to ensure all staff are able to receive the relevant information.

Target Audience and Focus

Written for library managers and training leaders, A Complete Guide to Training Library Staff presents a comprehensive lifecycle for staff development with a focus on tools and techniques to build a sustainable training program, set staff up for success in their positions, and develop a positive and supportive community across the library. Authors Emily Leachman and A. Garrison Libby spearheaded their library's movement to largely online trainings, which are inclusive of staff at all branch locations.

Benefits and Goals

This practical guidebook helps managers and trainers develop a comprehensive plan that allows new staff to quickly become acquainted with the operations of the library, provides ongoing training to make staff aware of new procedures and services, and creates a collaborative and supportive training environment to empower staff to learn and lead.