OUT WEST AND DOWN UNDER:EXPLORING GEOGRAPHIES OF

STAFF DEVELOPMENT

Janelle Zauha, Professor

Montana State University Libraries

Garry Potter, Manager Library Staff Resources

Victoria University LibraryCAVAL October 16, 2009

INTRODUCTION

Two maps of staff development terrain, offering alternative paths and different vistas

Do common problems = common solutions?

What can we learn from each other?

Map I: VICTORIA UNIVERSITY

Multi-sector university (Higher Ed and Further/Vocational education)

Approx 50,000 students11 campuses & libraries124 staff in 102.75 positionsApprox 20 casual student

assistants

Copyright  © 2004. The Age Company Ltdhttp://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/04/26/1082831482802.html

THE JOURNEY @ VU2002 – recognized strategic importance of

embedding continuous staff development

Created portfolio of staff development (initially Librarian eventually Manager), staff development committee

2003 – methodology for developing staff skills - commitment, currency & relevance; capability, performance & results (Brinkerhoff); recruiting, retaining & leading (Usherwood)

Methodology & accompanying staff development plan linked to staff performance and development plans, Library operational plan, & University strategic plan

Key competencies matrix – core skills mapped to positions

2008 – Workforce plan – framework for library staff; strategies to create a sustainable and flexible, skilled workforce, “one library” service oriented approach, adaptive to change & technology

WORKFORCE PLAN7 strategiesStructurePosition descriptions & titlesRecruitmentStaff developmentStudents as employeesExtended opening hoursCultural awareness

Culture

CHALLENGES WE FACED

Common vision

SHARED UNDERSTANDING

BudgetRESOURCE

S

THE FUTUREEvaluate – are we getting it right? plan,

review & doLibrary review process – how will this

inform future staff development needs of the Library ?

Environmental scans Technology futures Research Teaching & learning

Inform what we look like – right people, in the right place, at the right time, with the right skills

Map 2: MONTANA STATE UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES

Bozeman

MSU Campus

Renne Library

33 Classified Staff (Para-professional)

17 Faculty Librarians

Challenges We Face

Boundaries

Salary Equity

HISTORY

MOTIVATION

COMMUNICATION

Understanding

Resp

ec

t

Fear

REW

AR

DS

Budget

Seeking Solutions

LEAP

eadership

ducation

bility

otential

Progress

Discovering talentBuilding relationshipsSharing ideasUnderstanding each otherCreating shared vision

THE FUTUREPersistBe patientSeek more inputBe flexibleMeasure Recognize

CONCLUSIONS: LEARNING FROM EACH OTHER

Requires consistent attention &

planning

Time & resources

Staff have to be engaged

One model does not suit all

Different needs, goals & objectives

Commitment from management

to support embedded processes

Share knowledge and experience

Return on investment

Monitor, measure, document &

evaluate

No matter where you go, there you are!