* Library Staff Identified with the Training Program

The training offered in LC Library Services via the Technical Processing and Automation Instruction Office (TPAIO) is frequently tied to Library staff. A course is identified as needed by a specific group. A resource person identified from that group is asked to work with the staff in TPAIO to create the course material. Sometimes the resource person is also one of the instructors. If not an instructor, frequently the resource person will sit in the back of the classroom to serve as an expert so that the instructor has support answering questions that might arise relating directly to workflow.

I find these courses, that relate directly to work performed on the job where staff doing the work have direct input into the development of the course material and instruction of the course, work superbly. Unfortunately, not enough divisions take advantage of this opportunity. The course is revised as needed based on input from the division that requested it.

When we provide this kind of training we feed into two other best practices.

* Flexible Curriculum

Even though we have set courses that we teach all the time we are always ready to put on courses by special request. We are also ready to tailor existing courses to the special needs of an individual group by changing examples or text that might impact their workflow.

I am convinced that this training that relates directly to duties performed by the staff is the best possible training for most of the staff but not of course for managers and supervisors.

* Director Commitment

When we get these special requests the director is one hundred percent committed to the training so it becomes a non problem. These requests are usually not received without the division chief and director of the area being involved.

Submitted by: Judith Cannan, Chief, TPAIO