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.

Being a Document Control Officer to Manage Archives: Are You the Office Librarian?

In many workplaces, there's someone who seems to know where everything is. They can pull up the latest policy revision, retrieve an outdated client file, or point you to that mysterious "blue folder" from three years ago that somehow still matters. This person may not wear glasses or whisper "shhh"—but in essence, they are the office librarian . In most cases, this role falls to the Document Control Officer . But what does being a Document Control Officer really mean? And how close is it to being the keeper of a corporate library? Let’s unpack it. What Is a Document Control Officer? A Document Control Officer (DCO) is responsible for managing how documents are created, reviewed, stored, accessed, and archived within an organization. In many cases, the DCO is the quiet force behind regulatory compliance, internal consistency, and institutional memory. In short, if your company ever says, “We have a paper trail,” the DCO is why. Their duties typically incl...

Freelancing is the Dream that Can Bring Financial Freedom

What is freelancing? It is a service-oriented business that involves you, the entrepreneur, and a client who needs help with a project. Before starting on this new world of self-employment, some factors that have to be considered include the following: your marketable skills, how much time you can devote to a project, and how much to charge for your service. Is freelancing lucrative? What is the point of going into it, and possibly giving up an office job, if it doesn't pay well? Right? Right.

Special Library Strengths

Being the librarian in an independent research and reading library dedicated to the communities of the Northern Luzon, Philippines region and their global diasporas has its ups and downs. On the plus side, our audience and guest traffic is eclectic, more so than any academic and/or school library can hope for. Eclectic they may be, but their priorities for going to the libary are nearly the same... to satisfy their curiosity and learn more about what makes this library special.

How Important is Proper Document Control in ISO Accreditation?

If your organization is working toward ISO accreditation—or trying to maintain it—you’ve probably heard the phrase document control more times than you care to count. But before your eyes glaze over, let’s break it down. ISO standards (like ISO 9001 for quality management, ISO 14001 for environmental management, or ISO 27001 for information security) are built on the idea of consistency, traceability, and accountability. None of that works without proper documentation. And documentation doesn’t stay proper on its own. It needs structure. That’s where document control comes in. So, how important is it? In short: it's everything. What Is Document Control in the ISO Context? Document control refers to how an organization manages its critical documents—such as procedures, manuals, forms, and records—so that they are: Correct (the latest version) Accessible (to the right people) Secure (from unauthorized changes) Traceable (who approved, changed, or accessed them)...

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.

Why the Banned Book 1984 by George Orwell Seems Prophetic Now

In George Orwell's book '1984', we are transported to a totalitarian state that is uncannily like the very world we are living in. It's a politico-social novel that tells a lot about how power can be a dangerous thing when placed in the hands of a remorseless totalitarian government that punishes with impunity and rewards only those that cooperate. It's so borderline non-fiction that many libraries have banned it a short time after it has been published. They say it's fear-mongering, but as many of us in the 21st century now know, it was somewhat prophetic.

Weekly Facebook Reel Plan 008: Pretending to be Tourists for a Day

Creating a one-week reel plan around the theme "Pretending to be Tourists for a Day" sounds like a fun and engaging way to connect with your audience. Here's a table that outlines the plan: Day of the Week Concept Execution Monday Local Landmarks Visit local landmarks and take photos as if you're seeing them for the first time. Tuesday Food Tour Sample local cuisine from various eateries and discuss the flavors and textures. Wednesday Public Transport Adventure Ride the local public transport and show the experience, including buying tickets. Thursday Street Performers Find street performers and capture their acts, maybe even join in for a collaborative moment. Friday Souvenir Shopping Visit local souvenir shops and showcase unique items, discussing their cultural significance. Saturday Museum Hopping Go to a local museum and take photos of interesting exhibits, discussing their history. Sunday Scenic Spots Visit a local park or beach and capture the natural beauty, p...

The Importance of Monitoring Access to Organizational Archives

In any organization, the preservation and management of archives is a task that requires meticulous attention and responsibility, particularly when it comes to monitoring who accesses these valuable records. As a record manager, one of the crucial aspects of the role is ensuring that the access to archives is both controlled and recorded. This blog post explores why it's essential for record managers to keep track of who accesses organizational archives and the benefits this control brings. By the way, I designed an Archives Log Book that can help record keepers monitor who accesses their archives, especially the ones stored on-site in boxes or file cabinets: https://www.amazon.com/Archives-Log-Book-Organizational-Unauthorized/dp/B0B35H8P6L Protecting Sensitive Information Organizational archives often contain sensitive information, which could include personal data, confidential business strategies, legal documents, and financial records. Unauthorized access to such informa...

Do Small Libraries Need a Hard Copy of the Library Bibliographic Data?

Get your paperback copy of Library Bibliographic Data book from Amazon through this link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B7QBGNKR A hard copy of something is simply a physical ink-on-paper version of what is in the library database. Some librarians say it is cumbersome to keep a hard copy when the soft copy is already there, one simply has to log into the system. But the hard copy of library bibliographic data can be an essential resource for small libraries for several reasons: 1. Backup for Digital Records : While many libraries have digital systems for cataloging their collections, hardcopies serve as a reliable backup in case of digital data loss due to system failures, cyber-attacks, or other unforeseen events. This ensures that the library's catalog remains accessible even in the face of technical difficulties. 2. Accessibility : Not all library patrons may be comfortable or familiar with digital search systems. Hardcopy bibliographies allow these patrons to access bibliograph...

Content Creators Need to Try Creative Fabrica

Hey there, fellow creators! Whether you're a seasoned artist, a passionate designer, or a content creator just starting your journey, you know that the right tools and resources can make a world of difference. That’s why I’m excited to introduce you to Creative Fabrica , a fantastic platform that's like a treasure trove for all your creative needs. Why Creative Fabrica? You might be wondering, "What makes Creative Fabrica so special?" Well, let me tell you: 1. Endless Resource s: Creative Fabrica offers an extensive library of fonts, graphics, templates, and even digital crafts. It's like having a bottomless toolbox, ready to help you bring your wildest ideas to life. 2. Affordable Pricing : Quality resources can be expensive, but Creative Fabrica provides budget-friendly options, including subscription plans that give you unlimited access to their vast collection. It's a small investment for a huge creative payoff. 3. ...

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