Page 2 - Library Staff Compentencies
Please note: these are actual 
"Compentencies that other Library systems have posted on the Internet
for their own Unique  Library Situations"
Use them for ideas, to adapt & develop your own "Staff Competencies"

Back to Page 1  Library Staff Competencies Resources
To page 3 - Library Staff Competencies (Listing of Core Competencies)

Computer Competency for Library Staff
http://www.washoe.lib.nv.us/competencies.html

This list, based on materials developed by the Library, was prepared to assist our staff in assessing their personal computer (PC) and Internet skills. It does not include competencies needed Online/Automated Library system. "Wizards" are designated staff in each branch or other major unit who serve as computer resource persons and perform basic maintenance and troubleshooting. 
 

GENERAL PC SKILLS

  All staff who use PC's should be able to:

      Define:
        __Boot
        __CPU
        __Monitor
        __Memory
        __Hard Disk
        __Floppy Disk
    __Identify and locate the A drive, B drive, and C drive.
    __Use proper methods to turn off PCs, boot, and reboot.
    __Use proper methods to start and exit all applications.
      Do the following with all printers in his or her work area:
        __Change ribbon or toner cartridge
        __Load paper
        __Clear jams
        __Know whom to call for maintenance and repair.

  In addition, Wizards should be able to:

    __Format floppy disks.
      Check and maintain floppies and hard drives using:
        __scandisk
        __defrag
        __(or their Windows 95 equivalents).
      Identify major file types:
        __.com
        __.exe
        __.txt
        __.doc
        __.html
 
 
 

WINDOWS 95 SKILLS

  All staff who use Windows 95 should be able to:

    __Use a mouse to point, click, drag, and scroll.
    __Minimize, restore, and maximize a window.
    __Identify what is the current active window.
    __Determine what programs are currently running.
    __Switch from one document to another within a program.
    __Switch from one program to another.
      Use a mouse and/or keystrokes to cut and paste
        __within a document
        __between applications.
      Use My Computer or Windows Explorer to:
        __copy files from C drive to A or B drive
        __create directories and subdirectories
        __move files from one directory to another.

  In addition, Wizards should be able to:

    __Perform selective backups.
    __Scan for viruses using McAfee software.
    __Find a specific file when its location is unknown.
    __Rename a file.
 

MICROSOFT APPLICATIONS SKILLS

  All staff who use these applications should be able to:

    __Use Microsoft Word to create & print simple memos, letters,
        and reports.
    __Use Microsoft Excel to create & print simple spreadsheets.
    __Use Microsoft PowerPoint to create & print simple presentations.
    __Use Microsoft Publisher to create & print simple publications.

    __Open a new or existing document.
    __Open documents in different file formats (e.g., WordPerfect).
    __Scroll up and down within a document.
    __Find specific text within a document.
    __Cut and paste / copy and paste.
    __Insert, move, and resize a clip art image.
    __Change font formatting.
    __Change paragraph formatting (indents, bullets).
    __Change page setup (margins, portrait/landscape).
    __Print all or part of a document.
    __Save a document.
    __Use "Save As" to change a document's name, location, or format.

  In addition, Wizards should be able to:

    __Install these applications and updates.
 

E-MAIL SKILLS

  For all staff who use Eudora, Office Logic, or Microsoft Outlook

    __Identify the parts of an e-mail address.
      Compose and send a message
        __To another  employee
        __To someone on the Internet
        __To multiple recipients.
    __Check mail and read incoming messages.
    __Reply to a message.
    __Forward a message.
    __Create mailboxes/folders.
    __File a message by subject.
    __Locate and read a message previously filed.
    __Transfer a message from one folder to another.
 

In addition, Wizards should be able to:

    __Attach a file to a message.
    __Open an attachment.
    __Subscribe and unsubscribe to a listserv.
    __Manage nicknames lists (if applicable).
    __Create or modify a signature file.
 
 

WORLD WIDE WEB SKILLS

  All staff who use the Web should be able to:

    Define:
      __Web site
      __Web page
      __Link
      __URL
    __Identify and follow links in text and graphical form.
    __Use the Back, Home, Go, and History functions to navigate.
    __Identify the parts of a URL.
    __Enter a URL in a web browser by typing or pasting.
    __Scroll up and down in a web page.
    __Search for text within a web page.
    __Print all or part of a web page.
    __Add and use bookmarks.
    __Locate, and use basic features of, major web search tools.

 
In addition, Wizards should be able to:

    Modify browser preferences/settings:
      __Change fonts
      __Enable/disable Java.
    Manage bookmark lists:
      __Move bookmarks
      __File in folders
      __Change bookmark names.

For each competency in this list, assign your level of ability:

5 = I excel at this. It is a strength of mine.
4 = My level of knowledge or ability is adequate, but I wish to excel.
3 = My level of knowledge or ability is adequate in meeting this.
2 = I recognize that I need to improve in this.
1 = I have little or now training towards this, and need it.
 

Public Services Competencies
A  library employee is able to:

A. Public Service Abilities - Administrative & Planning Services
1. Develop appropriate programs of service based on community use and needs studies.

2. Market and publicize library services.

3. Train or provide for staff training on materials and equipment.

4. Explain and implement circulation, intra-library and inter-library loan processes, and illustrate their differences.

5. Interpret and implement library copyright restrictions.

6. Explain reference, information and referrals, and reader's advisory processes, and illustrate their differences.

7. Incorporate computer-based resources and new technology in library services.
 
 

B. Public Service Abilities - Direct Patron Services

1. Communicate with a diverse patron population.

2. Assess patron expectations and deal with patron difficulties.

3. Conduct appropriate, effective reference interviews.

4. Use basic reference, information and referral, and reader's advisory materials.

5. Use library equipment.

6. Instruct patrons on the use of library materials and equipment.

7. Describe the different ways people search for information.

8. Explain how people communicate needs and receive information.

9. Analyze requests and design search strategies for locating information for specific requests.

10. Fill information needs through access to the general collection, community resources, and other libraries and agencies.

11. Use appropriate media to communicate information to fill specific requests.

B. Acquisitions
1. Demonstrate knowledge of the publishing industry and vendor markets from which libraries acquire materials, equipment, and services.
2. Establish and apply effective procedures for verifying, ordering, receiving orders, resolving problems, and fund accounting.
3. Establish and apply effective procedures for handling special materials, such as serials, periodicals, audiovisual materials, electronic media, and other formats.
 

C. Cataloging and Classification
1. Understand the importance of identifying and locating materials in a library with awareness of end-user demands/needs for information.
2. Describe accurately an item to ensure proper access.
3. Select appropriate subject headings and call numbers for proper identification and placement.
4. Maintain accurate card and/or on-line catalogues.
5. Adhere to current regional and national cataloging standards and classification schemes.
6. Be familiar with services to share information and expertise and to enhance resource sharing.
 

D. Processing
 

1. Apply appropriate methods and techniques for accurate physical preparation.
2. Apply appropriate methods and techniques for storage and preservation of materials.
E. Automation
1. Demonstrate knowledge of basic computer operations needed to use the local system.
2. Plan and incorporate appropriate new technologies into technical services functions.
 
 
 

Technology Competencies
A  library employee is able to:
1. Demonstrate a basic understanding of the role technology plays in the creation, retrieval and delivery of library resources, functions, and services.
2. Demonstrate basic skills in the use of computer and audiovisual equipment.
3. Demonstrate knowledge and use of appropriate specific computer hardware and software applications for library functions and services.
4. Demonstrate ability to evaluate electronic products and services and make customer focused, cost-effective choices in their selection and use.
5. Demonstrate ability to retrieve information from electronic and multimedia formats.
6. Demonstrate knowledge of the appropriate standards for various technologies. Be able to apply the standards and define their
value.
7. Demonstrate understanding of the library's role and responsibility for introducing applications of technology to the public.
8. Demonstrate ability to provide training for staff and patrons in the use of materials and equipment.
 

 
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Basic competencies and skills in Information Searching and Retrieval
Basic competencies 
Understand the relationship between the purpose, content and structure of databases 
Be able to analyse key elements in research topics and in constructing search strategies 
Recognise how choice of database, search terms and strategy affect search results 
Be able to critically evaluate and exploit information sources and information retrieved in order to better control searching. 
 
 Skills in Information Searching and Retrieval
 1. Identify key components/concepts in research topics 
 2. Construct a basic search strategy 
Analysis topics to dtermine key concepts and keywords.
Suggest alternate and supplementary search terms (synonyms, broader and narrower terms).
Utilise specialised thesauri and lists of subject headings
Apply generic search skills including: truncation, Boolean searches, limits
Exploit known and retrieved items 
 3. Select information resources appropriate to the search topic and 
purpose using criteria of scope, authority, format, currency and document support.
As part of this staff will:
Develop an awareness of the different ways (access points) by 
which it is possible to search catalogues and other databases
Evaluate the Internet as an information resource
Coverage includes - Navigation aids, search engines 
and differences between structured databases and other Internet resources.
Appreciate that selection of database, search terms 
and the way in which these are combined determines
the number and nature of references retrieved.
Recognise the place of print and non-print resources 
in the information search and their relationship to electronic 
information resources and teaching technologies.
 4. Tailor connection to information services from home and office to personal requirements. 
 5. Evaluate documents retrieved 
 6. Edit, save, sort and print citations 
 7. Utilise database features to keep up to date with publications in a subject area 
 

Keys: Public Services Staff (PS), Technical Services Staff (TS)
Connecting.
Should know how to connect to the  Library Catalog ) in Windows using either  OCLC's Passport for Windows (or another terminal emulation software) 
 Open a session to  log in as xxxx; password xxxxx. 
Recommend that you use your username and password. Know your initials and initials password as well (PS,TS)
Should know how to properly disconnect a  session in staff mode. (PS,TS) 
Printing/downloading information.
Should know how to print to e-mail, how to print to a system printer, and how to print to a local printer. (PS,TS) 
Should know how to cut and paste between a session and WordPerfect or some other word processing program in Windows. (PS,TS) 
Other means of access.
Public services staff should know how to access Catalog and the databases from a library connection account and be able to walk patrons through the process over the phone. 
Technical services staff should know how to do this from their own library accounts. 
Should be familiar with the Web version of the OPAC. URL. (PS,TS) 
 Public searching.
Should be familiar with all searches from the menu and all searches under O>Additional Options in public mode. (PS,TS) 
Should be able to explain what each search is looking for (for example, Tables of Contents and Notes searches for tables of contents information found in anthologies, sound recordings, books of essays and many books purchased by the libraries since 1991). (PS,TS) 
Should be able to use truncation, and the words and, or and not properly in KeyWords and Table of Contents and Notes searches. (PS, TS) 
Should be able to do proper nesting of searches in the KeyWords and Table of Contents indexes. (PS, TS) 
Should be able to change scoping and explain it correctly to users. (PS,TS) 
Should be able to correctly and efficiently use the limit features and explain it correctly to users. (PS,TS) 
Should be able to explain and point out what information is indexed (and in which index) in a bibliographic and item record. (PS,TS) 
Should be able to demonstrate how all featured options work and explain it correctly to users and other library staff. For example: show similar items, display table of contents, browse nearby entries, show items nearby on shelf. (PS, TS) 
Should be able to explain correctly the different messages displayed in the status code (in repair, due X-X-XX, missing, etc.). (PS,TS) 
Should be able to demonstrate and correctly explain the different displays for serial holdings. (PS,TS) 
Should be able to search for a particular volume by year or volume number for serial holdings. (PS,TS) 
Should be able to show a library client how to use the View circulation record and Request item features, including how to renew items checked out. (PS, TS) 
Staff mode searching
the problem using proper terminology for the record type (bibliographic, item, order). (PS,TS) 
Should be able to translate library location codes forlibrary. (PS,TS) 
Should be able to update record types related to job function and responsibilities accurately (e.g. item records for circulation and technical services staff) . (PS, TS) 
Should be able to use established default records related to job functions and responsibilities. (PS, TS) 
Should be able to edit records in line edit, full edit modes, again, record type related to job functions and responsibilities. (PS, TS) 
Should be able to read III fixed fields in bibliographic record to determine if record can be edited or must be "skipped" until processed by authority and tables of contents vendors. (TS) 
 Management information.
Should be able to use information about the system to find the various codes. (PS,TS) 
Should be able to run a simple list and run a statistical report on that list (e.g. run a list of order records from a particular fund and from a particular vendor, calculate the average item costs). (PS,TS) 
Should be able to examine system information to assess system speed by checking transaction file processing. (PS,TS) 
 Misdirected e-mail
When a patron calls and reports that s/he has not received his exported list of records, library staff should be able to go in, find the list and re-direct the e-mail message to the correct address the patron provides (A, E) from staff menu. (PS) 
 And if this isn't enough...
Should be able to search theUser Manual and use the menu outlines. (PS,TS) 
Should be able to print from the User Manual (without attempting to print the entire manual). (PS,TS) 
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To Contact, Me ~ Mary Niederlander
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THANK YOU!!