Can Non-librarians Work in the Library?

The wonderful world of librarianship has its beginnings intertwined with the very origins of creating written treasures. But did you know that the early champions of this field weren't just librarians? Among them were skilled scribes who took breaks from their busy tasks to care for precious clay tablets and delicate parchment scrolls in the libraries of ancient times.

Why is training non-librarian staff essential? Believe it or not, there is a shortage of librarians in the world. One reason is that people think the work is boring, so they don’t study library science. But the thing is, there are many many libraries containing a wealth of information (that has not been digitized yet) we can’t live without.

The solution is to start training non-librarian staff. Here are some things to consider.

Expanding the Skill Sets
One of the key to training non-librarian staff is expanding the skill sets of these professionals (sometimes called paralibrarians). By identifying their individual strengths and interests, each staff member can undergo professional development tailored for library work.

Training can include workshops and webinarson topics such as research techniques, cataloging, digital literacy, or information management. By equipping the staff with new skills, they become more confident and efficient in their roles, ultimately improving the library’s overall effectiveness.

Mentoring and Guidance

Recognizing the importance of mentorship, I have been implementing a mentoring program for paralibrarians. Through regular one-on-one sessions, I provide guidance, support, and a safe space for staff members to discuss their challenges and goals.

This mentoring program fosters professional growth, encourages innovation, and helps non-librarian staff develop a deeper understanding of library principles and best practices. It also promotes a culture of collaboration and mutual learning within the library.

Training non-librarian staff is worth the cash investment. Also, it may be difficult to find licensed librarians because of the low number of library science graduates in the world. In particular, it may be difficult to find licensed librarians who want to teach.

Cross-Training Initiatives
To encourage a holistic understanding of library operations, I initiate cross-training opportunities for non-librarian staff. By exposing them to different library departments and functions, such as circulation, acquisitions, or outreach, the staff gain a broader perspective of the library’s inner workings.

This training not only enhances skills but also encourages a sense of camaraderie and cooperation among staff members from various backgrounds. It breaks down silos and encourages a multidisciplinary approach to problem-solving and service delivery.

Library Management Brainstorming: Get Patrons Involved

Brainstorming is a dynamic and flexible tool that can be applied to library management. By engaging a diverse group of stakeholders in the brainstorming process, libraries can tap into a wealth of ideas that pave the way for innovative services, enhanced user experience, and efficient operations. The structured approach to brainstorming, from idea generation to selection, ensures that libraries can systematically explore and implement solutions that meet the evolving needs of their communities. Through continuous innovation and adaptability, libraries can remain vital centers for learning, creativity, and community engagement. Librarians don't need to do it alone. After all, patrons are also the ones who would benefit from improvements in the library. Hence, tapping them for ideas is a good call. Topics for Library Management Brainstorming Improving User Engagement: A library looking to increase patron visits might brainstorm ideas leading to initiatives like a community bo...

Simple Way to Ask Library Users to Rate the Library Service

Library users do not always share their thoughts on how the librarian or school can improve their library service. In fact, some won't ever, unless prompted. Soliciting their thoughts using a suggestion box is also not as good a strategy as it is predicted to be. After all, the blank piece of paper near the suggestion box doesn't really guide the user. I also noticed that users would only use the suggestion box if they have a complaint, but not if they just want to go about their business and leave. There must be a more pro-active way to solicit users' opinion. A simple solution would be to offer a short survey to measure how successfully users were able to complete some common activities in the library. This assessment uses the Likert scale, which is typically a five, seven, or nine-point agreement scale used to measure respondents' agreement with various statements. For example, the scale can range from "very unsuccessful" to "very successful."...

Why Would a Library Add I Must Betray You by Ruta Sepetys to Its Collection?

Ruta Sepetys' "I Must Betray You" emerges as a compelling narrative that delves into the complexities of morality, loyalty, and the human condition. As a librarian and an advocate for competitive studying , I find this book to be a valuable addition to any library's young adult collection. But let's not get ahead of ourselves; let's dissect what makes this book a must-have and also consider its limitations. Why Libraries Should Add This Book First and foremost, Sepetys' storytelling prowess is evident in her nuanced characters and intricate plotlines. She doesn't shy away from exposing the grim realities of life under a totalitarian regime, making the book an excellent resource for discussions on history, ethics, and political science. For students aiming to excel academically, this book serves as a multidisciplinary gem that encourages critical thinking. Moreover, the narrative's focus on the protagonist's internal struggle with betrayal and...

Check Out My New Creative Fabrica Store Banner

I’m thrilled to announce the launch of my brand-new banner on Creative Fabrica! If you’ve never heard of Creative Fabrica, it’s time to introduce you to this teeming and thriving community of artists, educators, entrepreneurs, and crafters. Whether you’re a creator looking for inspiration or someone who loves to support independent artists, Creative Fabrica is the place to be. What is Creative Fabrica? Creative Fabrica is an online marketplace where creators like me can share and sell digital designs, fonts, crafts, and more. But it's not just a store—it's a hub for collaboration, learning, and growing your creative skills. Imagine a place where you can find everything from SVG cut files to crochet patterns to teaching tools. The best part? The community is always buzzing with activity, full of creators sharing their work and buyers looking for unique designs to bring their projects to life. Why I Love Creative Fabrica One of the reasons I love being part of Creative Fabrica is...

Weekly Facebook Reel Plan 009: Learning Badminton

Creating a one-week reel plan around the theme "Learning Badminton in a Week" can be a compelling way to engage your audience. Here's a plan for each day of the week, focusing on this topic: Day of the Week Concept Execution Monday Grip and Stance Demonstrate the correct way to grip a badminton racket and show how to take a proper stance. Tuesday Basic Footwork Perform and break down essential footwork patterns on the court. Wednesday Serve Techniques Execute different types of serves like high serve and low serve, explaining the mechanics. Thursday Net Play Show how to execute net shots and lifts, emphasizing wrist movement and timing. Friday Defensive Shots Perform defensive shots like the clear and drop shot, explaining when to use each. Saturday Offensive Shots Execute offensive shots like the smash and drive, discussing power and angle. Sunday Game Simulation Simulate a mini-game, incorporating all the techniques learned throughout the week. Each day focuses on...

Short Story: Backward Day

ASIAN AMERICAN HOLIDAY PEOPLE OF COLOR A young twenty-something man was waving at people gawking at him in the parking lot while loading several pounds of burgers, loaves of bread, and cartons of beer into the trunk of our car. My boyfriend Tony was a sight to behold in any crowd, with his blonde hair and muscular build. But today, what was catching the crowd’s attention was his inside-out shirt, pants, and canvas hat. I’m not too worried about people reporting my eccentrically clad hunny-bunny to the police. Rambling, crazy locals were normal for the day before the Superbowl when every adult in our town was on shopping duty. The crazier you looked, the less likely anyone would disturb you while you were taking all the beer. Only, today wasn’t a normal one for my crazy family, who we’re visiting for the Superbowl weekend. It’s Backward Day, a tradition that our family kept going for as long as I could remember. Despite its name, it was not just one ...

What Librarians Do in 2024: Keeping Up with Everyone's Needs

Libraries are accessible to everyone... and we mean EVERYONE! Hey there! I'm a librarian, and if there's one thing I know, it's that libraries are not just about books anymore. They're about people – all kinds of people. And in 2024, our job is to make sure we're keeping up with what everyone needs, even as those needs keep changing. So, how do we do that? Let's dive in. Getting to Know You First up, we need to really understand who's using the library. This means looking beyond just the numbers and getting to know the community. What languages do they speak? What kind of information are they looking for? Do they need places to study, meet, or even just hang out? The more we know, the better we can be at making the library a welcoming place for everyone. Technology is Our Friend These days, almost everyone uses some form of technology, whether it's smartphones, tablets, or laptops. As librarians, we're jumping on this tech train too. We'r...

Short Story: To What is Owed

FANTASY COMING OF AGE FICTION In the stillness of the faerie woodlands, a low keening sound emerged from the dense vines of an old valete tree. A dryad was dying, and the entire forest knew it. The trees shuddered in sympathy, while the woodland faeries flitted in and out of the branches in distress. They whispered amongst themselves, fearful yet curious. It was always a great event when a dryad reaches his golden age and is in the precipice of being one with nature. The event is especially grand for a male descendant of an ancient Unseelie family. Usually, the event was celebrated with dancing and merriment. Sadly, a proper send-off was not in order, as the dying dryad had been in the throes of excruciating agony for days. Inside the tree, a crowd surrounded the old dryad.

Weekly Facebook Reel Plan 006 Thrifting

F ocusing on a single theme like "Thrifting" for a week can provide a cohesive and engaging experience for your audience. Here's a that outlines a one-week Reel plan centered around thrifting: Day of the Week Concept Execution Monday Thrift Store Tour Move through different sections of a thrift store, highlighting unique finds. Tuesday DIY Thrift Flip Transform a thrifted item into something new. Move from the before state to the after state. Wednesday Budget Thrifting Set a budget and move through the store, showing what you can get within that budget. Thursday Thrifting for Different Styles Move between racks and sections, picking out items that fit various fashion styles. Friday Thrifted Outfit Challenge Create an outfit entirely from thrifted items. Move from the selection process to the reveal. Saturday Thrifting Tips Share tips for effective thrifting. Move from general advice to specific examples. Sunday Thrift Haul Showcase your week's finds. Move from unbaggi...

Shrine of Our Lady of Caysasay also Known as the Taoist Ma-Cho Temple in San Fernando, La Union

I am a native of San Fernando and am very familiar with Macho Temple, yet I'm as confused as most tourists when it comes to the image of the holy lady enshrined there. Yes, it's a CHINESE temple, but... Many Taoist and Catholic devotees have accepted without question that mama deity Ma-Cho and our Lady of Caysasay are the same person. As the Chinese deity, she sacrificed her life while trying to save seafarers endangered by rough seas. She died at the young age of 28. However, she is also recognized as a miraculous image of the Virgin Mary by the Catholic church. All these baffling thoughts converge and don't really require any clarification as tourists and locals simply enjoy the seabreeze that permeates the hill where this lady's temple is located. Ma-Cho Temple, the first Taoist temple in the Philippines and one of the largest outside of China. Perched on a hill in downtown San Fernando, it offers breathtaking views of the South China Sea, making it an ideal h...

Ruby Galvez, RL

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