Management by agreement: contracting for library services in South West Thames

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Evaluating the impact of library user training programmes across Thames Valley Strategic Health Authority in the UK

BACKGROUND: This study was undertaken to provide evidence that library outreach projects in the NHS in the Thames Valley Strategic Health Authority area were effective and could justify continued funding. Objectives: The object was to assess whether information literacy skills training taken up by health professionals impacts on their confidence and skills in using electronic sources of health information. METHOD: A total of 487 health professionals taking up training on a voluntary basis were assessed by completing a self-assessment questionnaire prior to and after training to establish their information literacy skills and confidence levels. Of these, 223 trainees (46%) also returned 6-week follow-up questionnaires. RESULTS: Results showed that 464 trainees (95%) intended to apply what they had learnt in a variety of ways; use of specific resources greatly increased after training and confidence in using them increased substantially. Use of search techniques increased considerably overall, whereas use of Google decreased. CONCLUSIONS: The major findings of this research are that training health-care personnel in the use of electronic resources impacts positively on their information literacy skills and confidence, and that the information available to them is considered to have potential value across health-care practice.     

The information needs of perioperative staff: a preparatory study for a proposed specialist library for theatres (NeLH)

AIMS/OBJECTIVES: To undertake an information-needs analysis of operating theatre staff in order to inform the development of a specialist library of the National Electronic Library of Health (NeLH). SETTING: Three hospitals in an NHS Trust in a rural county in the north of England. METHODS: In-depth interviews, during which staff were questioned in regard to their job roles and information needs, information-seeking behaviour, access to computers, use and perceptions of the NeLH, and what they would like from a specialist library. RESULTS: Information needs were found to concern direct care, professional and academic development, medical devices knowledge and administration. Currency and speed of delivery were the key information requirements. Poor communication appeared to be a major problem for many staff and inhibited efficient information exchange. When using the Web, both clinical and non-clinical staff searched in a similar fashion to health consumers generally, despite their need for highly specialist information. Most respondents reacted warmly to the idea of the proposed National Electronic Library for Theatre Staff (NeLTS) and made several practical suggestions for suitable material. However, access was problematic for nurses and might prove to be an obstacle to take-up of the Specialist Library. CONCLUSIONS: Communication difficulties, the fragmentation of data in the field and the consequent difficulties of finding information point to the need for an NeLTS. However, for this library to embrace and succeed with all the various groups that constitute the operating theatre staff, issues of access and digital literacy need to be addressed.     

Assessing knowledge skills in the NHS: a training needs analysis approach

This feature discusses the use of a training needs analysis exercise carried out by library staff at the NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde (NHSGGC) Library Network to support the development of a fit for purpose programme of information skills training. A survey was designed based on a well‐known information skills competency framework and used to gain an understanding of the knowledge skills needed by staff and how library training could best support these. The survey received a good response rate and led to the successful writing of a training plan for the Library Network for the delivery of information skills training. H.S.     

Analysis of library associated information needs of staff in a specialist palliative and gerontological care centre in Mid-West Ireland

Background: Milford Care Centre is a major centre for specialist palliative and gerontological care in the Mid‐West of Ireland. In August 2008, a Librarian was employed to support the information, research, teaching and professional development needs of staff and students. In planning associated with this role, it was necessary to undertake an analysis of the information needs of staff. Objectives: (1) To understand the information needs of staff with regard to the new Library and Information Service. (2) To identify current access to and levels of skill in information literacy and ICT. (3) To ascertain the need for training in those skills. Methods: A web‐based questionnaire was disseminated in November by email and printed copies were left at other locations. Results: Assistance with obtaining journal articles was rated most highly by respondents as being an important service. Eighty‐three per cent indicated that they did not have access to online health databases. Small group classes were considered the preferred method of providing training. Afternoons were also considered more convenient for visiting the library. Conclusion: The results will be used to plan the development of the library with a better insight of users needs and assist us to utilise resources more effectively.     

Methods for training library staff members in the use of CD-ROMs in federal depository libraries in Texas a survey

This paper presents the results of a questionnaire survey mailed to one contact person in each of the 59 selective depositories in Texas. The purpose of this study was to determine the methods employed to train depository library staff members in the state of Texas to use federal government CD-ROMs. This study examined the types of formal training programs and the informal methods of training used. Informal methods were more commonly employed than formal methods. Almost one-half of the respondents reported that none of the staff members received formal training. A large percentage, however, received informal training. The most common method of formal training was a workshop or conference conducted by an outside expert. The most common types of informal training were self-instruction and one-on-one instruction.     

London and South Eastern Library Region (LASER)

The London and South Eastern Library Region (LASER) is an organisation for Library Cooperation. Its objects are the improvement of library facilities available to the public by the promotion of cooperation between libraries and other organisations. Co-operation maximises the use of scarce resources both of stock and staff expertise. Computer technology and extension into networking has allowed LASER members to make economic and multiple use of bibliographic records as well as stocks of books and periodicals. The use of internationally recognised standards also makes links with other cooperative organisations a practical possibility.     

Assessing reference staff competency in the electronic environment

This paper shows how the Galter Health Sciences Library of Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine developed and implemented a program to assess reference staff competencies for assisting users in the electronic environment after completing a new training program. The first phase was a year-long assessment of reference questions to identify the types of questions received at the desk. Next, a training program for reference was developed and implemented with an emphasis on answering the most common questions identified such as remote access, access privileges, holdings information, and database searching. The program included individualized instruction on library policies, electronic resources, access restrictions, and troubleshooting. The next phase was to create instruments to test staff competencies in answering questions after training. Based on the scores, additional training was individualized and provided to the appropriate staff member to enhance their skills where needed. The training system that was developed has proven to be effective as most staff scored better than 92% on initial testing. As a result, library management can be certain that users' questions are being answered correctly and that the staff has the skills required to work in an electronic environment.     

When you are in charge: Reflections on managing staff in the library

At some point in our library career, we may find ourselves in charge of an intern, volunteer, part-timer or even full-time staff, whether of our own initiative or not. There might be an organizational shift: someone retires or divisions merge and you might find yourself in charge of one person, or many. Sometimes even a simple situation, such as having an intern or a work-study student can still result in having to be responsible for the work outcomes and evaluations of another. The purpose of this article is to analyze some key approaches to being an effective manager from a practical context with some analysis informed by the relevant literature.     

Correlates of staff motivation,satisfaction, and job performance of library staff in selected Nigerian University libraries

Abstract

This study examined staff motivation, satisfaction, and job performance among the librarians and library staff in six selected university libraries in Nigeria. The target population for the study includes the professionals and nonprofessional library staff. A total enumeration sampling technique was used to select 180 respondents, which represent the sample for the study. Data was collected using a self-designed questionnaire titled “Staff Motivation, Satisfaction and Job Performance Questionnaire” (SMSJPQ). Six research questions were developed and answered by the study. The results indicate that librarian and library staff are highly motivated with regular pay while the least motivational factor is frequent interaction with their friends. Library staff are primarily satisfied with their jobs when they are in constant link with their friends. Professional library staff significantly experience better work motivation than their nonprofessional counterparts. Significant correlation exists between staff motivation and job performance and between job satisfaction and job performance. In addition, the two factors (motivation and satisfaction) exert significant contribution to the determinant of librarians and library staff job performance. Based on the findings, the study recommended improvement in the level of motivation of nonprofessionals so that the significant difference with the professional counterpart would not be so much pronounced.     

高校图书馆业务培训四个误区

文章阐述了目前高校图书馆业务培训存在的四大误区,并提出相应的解决措施.