H.COUNCILL TRENHOLM STATE TECHNICAL COLLEGE

Training for Success: A Comprehensive Plan for Library Paraprofessionals

Zenobia L. Blackmon ~ Delphine Goldsmith

Head Librarian ~ Library Technical Assistant

Abstract Summary

Library paraprofessionals are vital to the success of a viable library program. They are usually the first point of contact for library patrons. “What you see is what you get (WYSIWYG).”

….Abstract Summary

In that vain, professional development for library paraprofessionals is a must. With minimal funding appropriations for professional development, we have developed a comprehensive plan for ongoing paraprofessional training experience within our own college environment. By utilizing the experience of the library professionals and other college professionals, we will endeavor to strengthen the job-related skills of the paraprofessionals.

OUTLINE Abstract Summary Vision Mission Goal & Objectives Stakeholders SWOT Analysis Core Competencies Current Staffing Issues Plan of Action Challenges Summary

The Paraprofessional’s Career

“Nice work if you can get it, and you can get it if you try.”

….Ira Gershwin

Vision

The Trenholm Tech Library Administration will provide a dynamic learner-centered environment where excellence in teaching and learning will improve the paraprofessionals job-related skills.

Mission

The mission of this project is to provide accessible educational opportunities for career preparation for our paraprofessionals.

Goal

To ensure accessibility to quality professional development opportunities for all library paraprofessionals.

Objectives

1. To develop and/or strengthen paraprofessionals job-related skills by requiring them to complete two professional development activities a year.

2. To encourage learning and innovation by incorporating one new job-related skill to be mastered annually as evidenced by the Annual Performance Evaluation .

Stakeholders

Library Staff Students

College Administration

Instructors

SWOT Analysis

StrengthsQualified trained

professionalsAppropriate facilities

Grant funding Dedicated employees

Support ofAdministration

Support of our Program Advisory Committee

SWOT Analysis

WeaknessesLimited Staff Inexperience Staff

Local Funding Restraints Staff Stability

SWOT Analysis

Opportunities

Build employees self-confidenceInvolve staff in the

creation of the professionaldevelopment plan

Develop a comprehensive professional development plan to be used

by other two year college libraries

SWOT Analysis

Threats

Inadequate Preparation Time Funding Shortfalls

Changing Technology Retention & Recruitment of Personnel

Accreditation Standards

Current Paraprofessionals Employed

Media Technician/Part-time Secretary Library Clerk Library Clerk/Part-time

Core Competences Library Clerk1. Assist patrons with information and directional

requests.2. Responsible for shelf-reading with the assistance of

part-time clerk and student assistants.3. Assist Library Technical Assistant with processing

books for circulation.

Part-time Library Clerk1. Assist patrons with information and directional

requests.2. Assist Library Clerk with shelf-reading.3. Routinely process overdue notices.

Core Competences Secretary

1. Establish and maintain a filing system.

2. Type, proofread and revise correspondence, reports, and general office documents.

3. Compose and type routine correspondence and minutes of meetings.

4. Coordinate appointment schedules for library personnel.

Plan of Action

1. Identify the learning experiences that would strengthen and/or develop the desired competences via a Needs Assessment Survey.

2. Establish a timeline for completion of required learning experiences.

3. Develop a training schedule which will include a minimal of two activities per year.

1. Conference/Workshop2. Audit college classes3. Web-Course/Tutorials4. Staff development workshop hosted by Library Administration5. Arrange a shadow day with another local library.6. Assign an in-house mentor.

4. 4. Follow up with staff participants twice a year to assess progress.

5. 5. Paraprofessional will complete an annual evaluation of the prescribed professional development plan.

Challenges

1. Finding the time to prepare the training exercises and setting dates for training.

2. Finding additional funding for Workshops or Conferences.

3. Finding free/inexpensive Web training.

4. Scheduling conflicts due to inadequate staffing.

5. Operating a satellite library with no additional staff.

SUMMARY The comprehensive plan was partially initiated. Every paraprofessional was afforded the opportunity to attend

at least one professional development workshop and/or conference, or participate in a web-assisted tutorial.

We have begun the mentoring process: the Library Clerk is now mentored by the Library Technical Assistant.

We have recently experienced a shortfall in our staffing, which has stalled our professional development plans.

Significant improvement was observed in the execution of the paraprofessional’s job-related skills.

We will begin planning next year’s professional development this semester.

The Needs Assessment Survey will also be administered at that time.

Our professional development plan will complement our College’s strategic initiatives.

As stated by Winston Churchill…

“Give us the tools

and

we will finish the job.”

……IS OUR GOALIS OUR GOAL

Questions