Impact of New Library Technology on Training Paraprofessional Staff

This article discusses the training of para-professional library staff in new technologies with an emphasis on reference services. For the purposes of the article, paraprofessional is defined as those not holding the professional library science degree. General training principles and procedures are discussed including the training environment, equipment, handouts, and goals or projected outcomes. The results of a survey of training needs for Library and Information Studies graduate students working in the Northern Illinois University Libraries is incorporated into the article. This article concludes by suggesting that paraprofessional training is in effect a continuing education opportunity that focuses on skill development and learning transfer as a means to improve work performance.