OLA Super Conference 2008 Demystifying the Librarian/Technician Dilemma in the Digital Age. Oi-Veh!

OLA Super Conference 2008

Demystifying the Librarian/TechnicianDilemma in the Digital Age.

Oi-Veh!

Demystifying the Technician/ Librarian Dilemma in the Digital

Age• Management Perspective

Demystifying the Technician/ Librarian Dilemma in the Digital Age

Why the Dilemma?• Education Hierarchy

• Applied/theoretical

• Employment

• Task performance versus theory

Age Demystifying the Technician/ Librarian Dilemma in the Digital

Computers arrive/Shift in our roles• Information technology changed the way we all

work• Librarians assigned teaching, coordinating and

liaison roles• Library Technicians assigned hands on/technical

role• IT did not create a dilemma for profession• Roles more stimulating and challenging• Closer to the client/user• 2008/Still have the dilemma

5 Practical tips on how to build Effective Teams?

Five Practical Tips!

#1. Management has to champion the vision of a collaborative working environment.

Leader/Chief Librarian needs to set the vision which includes the building of a collaborative team.

New structure of working needs to be implemented. Hierarchy is gone and should be replaced by a flat

and simple organization. Library should be a network of teams that interact

for a common vision. Employees (Librarians and Library Technicians) are empowered as a team to plan, make decisions, take action.


#2. Team-Based Structure needs to be implemented.

Flat and simple structure Foster relationship building Investment of time Library Teams will have representatives from all

job types. Teams will understand each other’s role. Clear understanding of the role of the librarian

and the role of the Library technician. How do you do this?


Two team- based structures at Seneca Libraries

• Operational Structure

• Strategic Planning Structure


Operational Team Based StructureCommunication Lots of meetings and discussion Focus groups with staff/service functions Librarians and Technicians (Information Services),

Newnham Campus Collections, Marketing and Events, User

Education, Academic Services and Research, and Public Services

Functional teams were created for each service


Operational Team Based StructureExtensive Documentation Created job scopes/Librarians Job description review-support staff for each

function Job duties were outlined and discussed in the

team meetings Each member understood the roles of the team Staff had input into team structure Technicians and librarians were partners


#3. Place the customer/student in the centre of our library servicesCommon goal User Focused PhilosophySpace, services, collectionsShift in our philosophy in librariesNow the focus is on the client


#4. Clear roles and responsibilities

Critical aspect of effective teamsStaff conflict can come from unclear

responsibilities and goals.Clear project outlines Clear job descriptions and team

descriptions


#5. Staff CommitmentEmployees (Librarians and Library

Technicians) need to feel empowered as a team to plan, make decisions, take action.

Input is valued and respected Job is valued as part of the larger

organization planCommon vision and goals

Demystifying the Technician/ Librarian Dilemma in the Digital

Age• There are successful working

relationships in libraries• Following five tips will assist you in

building strong teams or being part of the team

• Eliminating the grey area between Librarians and Library Technicians

Let’s switch from boxing to ballroom dancing!

OLA Super Conference 2008 Demystifying the Librarian/Technician Dilemma in the Digital Age. Oi-Veh!

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Transcript of OLA Super Conference 2008 Demystifying the Librarian/Technician Dilemma in the Digital Age. Oi-Veh!