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.

Why Every Library Needs a Hometown Authors Shelf and How to Promote Them

I have previously written about building a Local Authors Collection in a library in a previous post, How to Start a Local Authors Collection . Now, I will discuss further why this is mandatory for every library, especially public ones. All libraries often highlight international bestsellers—but what about the author who lives just down the street? A Hometown Author Shelf tells the story of your community, written by its own people. Local authors offer unique perspectives that national voices can’t. Their work may reflect regional issues, dialects, history, or folklore that rarely reach mainstream publication. Also, they don't have many followers, because they're just doing their thing and not getting much attention. This is where the library comes in. When patrons see familiar names or places in print, it deepens their emotional connection to both the library and literature. It says, “Your story matters here.” It also attracts local media attention, potential donors, and mo...

How to Start a Local Authors Collection in Your Library: 3 Steps

Looking to celebrate the voices in your own backyard? Starting a Local Authors Collection is one of the most meaningful ways to connect your library with its community. This will also promote your library to locals who may not have heard that your library is open and accessible to everyone! It will also send the message that you value your local authors and would like to work more with them in the future! Step 1: Audit! Begin with a simple audit: Do you already have hometown authors on your shelves? Create a list. Then, reach out to local writing groups, independent publishers, or universities—places where emerging writers often surface. Step 2: Curate! Don’t overlook self-published authors. Many have strong followings and are eager to share their work. Establish clear submission guidelines to ensure quality and consistency. Step 3: Promote! Highlight the new collection with shelf signage or a dedicated reading nook. Monthly features or “Local Author Spotlights” on social media also ...

How I Use My Starbucks Planner to Keep Myself Accountable

Let’s be honest: most of us buy those Starbucks planners because they’re pretty, not because we’re planning to become meticulous schedulers. At least, that was my initial intention—until I realized it could be the accountability tool I desperately needed. Now, my Starbucks planner is less about appointments and more about keeping track of my daily battles with self-discipline. Here’s how I use it to monitor three key areas of my life: resisting the urge to smoke, watching my calorie intake, and moving my body. 1. The Smoking Tracker This is the toughest section to fill out because it demands raw honesty. At the end of each day, I mark whether I resisted the urge to smoke—or if I gave in. There’s no judgment here (okay, maybe a little self-judgment), just a simple note: "Resisted" or "Gave In." I also jot down what triggered my cravings. Was it stress? Boredom? A sudden existential crisis while folding laundry? Writing it down helps me notice patterns, and when I...

Ruby Galvez, RL

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