Training Student Workers for Cross-Departmental Success in an Academic Library: A New Model. Issue 2 (17th February 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Becker-Redd, Kindra; Lee, Kirsten; Skelton, Caroline
• Is Part Of: Journal of library administration. Volume 58:Issue 2(2018)
• Page Start: 153
• Page End: 165
• Publication Date: 2018-02-17
• Subjects: student workers -- student library assistants -- job training -- training -- student training -- academic library -- universities -- colleges -- Fordham University -- scheduling -- work-study students -- library training -- training of student employees -- assessment -- staffing -- mentoring -- student employment; Library administration -- Periodicals; 025.1
• DOI: 10.1080/01930826.2017.1412711
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0193-0826

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Many academic libraries rely on a student workforce for everyday operations, interacting with patrons, and assistance with larger projects. Training these students for such multifaceted and customer-service-focused positions can be a challenge. This article traces an overhaul of training procedures made during the transition to a centralized, services desk workflow. All aspects of training a large student workforce, from planning and presentation to assessment, are outlined. Interactive group sessions and peer-to-peer reinforcement of procedures have proven to be most effective in training student workers for varied roles in an academic library.