Allocation of Staff Positions to Support Training and Development

Brown University Library’s commitment to staff learning is evidenced by the Library’s allocation of several staff positions to support training and development. These positions are committed strategically in order to achieve key Library objectives. These goals, as expressed in the Library’s Strategic Plan, include:

• Implementing the effective use of cross-functional and project-based work groups and teams
• Providing support and creating an environment that encourages every Library staff member to be a continual learner and to strive for continuous improvement
• Building upon and further developing the knowledge and skills of existing staff [specifically: general information services and customer services skills, knowledge of technology and multimedia, knowledge of learning styles and instructional techniques, group process skills, process improvement techniques, outcome and performance measurement methods, and facilitative leadership]
• Identifying new areas of knowledge and skills which are needed to successfully implement the vision and goals of the Library’s Strategic Plan
• Moving toward a reorganization of the existing Library structure to achieve a reorientation based upon ‘core activities’ [teaching, learning, and research] of the user, rather than the current functional structure.

In 1996, the Library reallocated an exempt, librarian line to the position of Organizational & Staff Development Officer. This individual is charged to “design and lead a comprehensive program of organizational change and development in support of the Library’s mission”. Among the responsibilities are:

• Organizational Development: diagnosis, planning, evaluation
• Leadership Development: management training, consulting and coaching
• Strategy Development: visioning, planning, structural design
• Human Resources Planning, Training, and Development: manpower planning, staff development planning, staff training, learning development, employee recognition
• Process Leadership: action research, facilitation and team-building

In 2000, the Library reallocated one exempt, professional line and two non-exempt support staff lines to create a group for Technology Development, Training, and Support. This group “provides computer and multi-media technology consultation, training, development and support for all Library staff”. The key objective is to go beyond simple trouble-shooting to use each interaction between a tech staff member and another Library staff member as a “spontaneous teaching moment”. Additionally, the tech staff design and provide a flexible, changing curriculum of training sessions to enhance staff computer competencies.

Submitted by: Raynna Bowlby, Organizational & Staff Development Officer