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" For Your Library

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 Core Competencies 
 

The following are adapted from Chapter 10 of the ALA publication
"Staff Development a Practical Guide"
by E. F. Avery, et al; c. 2001

Core Competencies for Libraries & Library Staff
Beth Mc Neil & Joan Giesecke
www.ala.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Our_Association/Publishing/Editions1/Samplers/avery.pdf *PDF document*

Competencies are the skills, technical knowledge, and personal attributes that contribute to 
an individual's success in a particular position. These core competencies apply to all library staff, 
although some aspects of each of the competencies may not apply to every staff person. 

Excerpts quoted: from "Appendix A"
University of Nebraska - Lincoln
University Libraries - October 1998
[pgs. 9-12 of PDF document linked above]

 Analytical Skills/Problem Solving/Decision Making

• Recognizes patterns, draws logical conclusions, and makes recommendations for action. Uses a well-ordered approach to solving problems and sound judgement in making decisions despite obstacles or resistance. 
• Articulates aspects or components based on problem identification and problem solving. 
• Develops actionable recommendations based on an understanding of various options and trade-offs. 
• Identifies multiple variables and relationships in complex problems, anticipating obstacles. 
• Develops action plans that anticipate possible implementation challenges. 
• Makes decisions that reflect realistic goals and careful consideration of library needs. 
• Gathers, utilizes, and interprets relevant information when making decisions. 
• Demonstrates the ability and willingness to uphold decisions and defend opinions when necessary. 
• Considers the risk, benefit, and impact of decisions on the present and future library environment before taking action. 

 Communication Skills

• Listens effectively, transmits information accurately and understandably, and actively seeks constructive feedback. 
• Provides timely, accurate, and candid information on critical issues (planning/progress/results) to colleagues and team members. 
• Identifies the critical issues to be communicated in complex situations. 
• Presents information or data in a format that is efficient and understandable. 
• Takes into account how different audiences and cultures are likely to respond and endeavors to choose the best method of communicating the message to each audience or culture. 
• Uses simple examples, illustrations, or analogies to explain concepts. 
• Writes clearly, logically, and concisely. 
• Demonstrates small and large group communication skills to enhance and encourage open dialogue. 

 Creativity/Innovation

• Looks for opportunities to apply new and evolving ideas, methods, design, and technologies. 
• Identifies and articulates hidden aspects, unseen relationships, or implications of problems, issues, and systems. 
• Willingly seeks out information, experts, or resources to creatively resolve issues or develop new ideas. 
• Develops recommendations based on trying new things in new ways. 
• Appropriately questions established ways of doing things when choosing a course of action. 
• Structures discussions, situations, and assignments to encourage creativity. 
• Views failures as an experience to learn from. 

 Expertise and Technical Knowledge

• Demonstrates broad, in-depth, and up-to-date knowledge of pertinent fields and awareness of current technology. 
• Understands how to use a microcomputer, including mouse and keyboard skills. 
• Builds on experience to adapt to changes in technology. 
• Transfers information from manuals and training sessions into the work place. 
• Embraces new technology and implements practical applications. 
• Asks for and is willing to take on more challenging work. 
• Acts as a resource to others; freely and willingly shares new technology with others. 
• Keeps up-to-date with new practices, trends, and standards in the field by reading journals, attending professional meetings and conferences, holding discussions with experts, etc. 
• Looks for opportunities to use and expand knowledge, skills, and experience. 

 Flexibility/Adaptability

• Performs a wide range of tasks, responds to changes in direction and priorities, and accepts new challenges, responsibilities, and assignments. 
• Accepts change as a healthy and normal part of organizational growth. 
• Functions effectively in ambiguous situations. 
• Agreeably approaches situations, challenges, or proposals from both his/her own and others' perspectives. 
• Considers alternate strategies. 
• Modifies or changes strategies to ensure the best chance of success. 
• Seeks new responsibilities and assignments. 
• Agreeably works outside of ordinary routine. 
• Responds appropriately to changes in direction and priorities. 

 Interpersonal/Group Skills

• Builds strong work relationships with a sensitivity to how individuals, organizational units, and cultures function and react. Establishes partnerships at all levels and across department and functional lines to achieve optimum results. 
• Uses empathy when understanding others' perspectives, needs, concerns, and culture. 
• Asks open-ended questions, listens actively, and responds in an open positive manner. 
• Considers the impact of decisions before taking action. 
• Constructively manages conflict by looking for areas of common agreement; effectively negotiates and compromises. 
• Proactively involves other people, groups, departments, functions, and levels to solve problems and achieve results which meet the needs of the whole organization. 
• Participates in group discussions; gives and accepts feedback openly and constructively. 
• Commits to meeting objectives on time. 
• Supports group by assisting members to learn, develop, and grow in their ability to contribute to results. 
• Acknowledges and praises individual and collective success. 
• Supports group decisions and outcomes (even in the absence of consensus) through actions and communications. 

 Leadership

• Sets and models high performance standards characterized by integrity. Earns trust and respect of others by coaching, inspiring, and empowering teams of people to achieve strategic objectives. 
• Envisions future trends and establishes appropriate goals to support changes in priorities or direction. 
• Facilitates optimal department or unit performance that is in alignment with library vision and strategies. 
• Communicates performance feedback in a timely and direct manner. 
• Takes, supports, and encourages reasonable risks to meet commitments and strategic objectives. 
• Fosters an environment based on integrity and high ethical standards. 
• Provides appropriate resources and support to help eliminate obstacles and meet or exceed goals. 
• Encourages others to make good decisions and take ownership in decision making and problem solving, by providing appropiate direction and assistance when necessary. 
• Develops mutually acceptable solutions. 
• Creates and takes advantage of opportunities for professional growth and development to enhance performance and multifunctional skills. 
• Effectively manages and develops a diverse, multifunctional workforce. 
• Creates and atmosphere that accepts failure due to risk-taking. 

Organizational Understanding and Global Thinking

• Demonstrates an understanding of the institution in its entirety and works to achieve results across disciplines, departments, and functions. Develops and maintains supportive relationships across the organization. 
• Seeks opportunities to learn about other functions to expand perspectives and overall ability to provide valuable contributions to the library. 
• Shows ability and willingness to work in a fluid environment across departmental lines or units. 
• Supports and facilitates cooperation between others. 
• Uses appropriate methods to gain acceptance of ideas or plans, especially with individuals over whom no direct control can be exercised. 

 Ownership/Accountability/Dependability

• Accepts responsibility for actions, results, and risks. Gets the job done. 
• Takes appropriate action to meet challenging goals, schedules, or needs. 
• Expresses ideas for continuous improvement and producing work of excellent quality. 
• Willingly takes action and assumes accountability. 
• Ensures accuracy and completeness of work. 
• Accepts reponsiblity for accomplishments, successes, failures, and mistakes. 
• Demonstrates ability and willingness to follow through on projects. 
• Takes responsiblity for self-development. 
• Actively and continuously learns. 

 Planning and Organizational Skills

• Anticipates and predicts internal and external changes, trends, and influences in order to effectively allocate resources and implement appropriate library initiatives. 
• Balances long-and-short-term planning. 
• Effectively manages time and priorities. 
• Emphasizes the importance of and demonstrates logical, systematic approaches to the accomplishment of tasks. 
• Takes action to minimize unnecessary error or risk, identifies alternatives and makes contingency plans. 
• Anticipates multiple implications of a situation and allocates resources accordingly. 
• Formulates objectives; designs and manages resources and processes in anticipation of future educational and organizational changes. 
• Chooses most efficient points at which to monitor details of project or task. 

 Resource Management

• Demonstrates a consistent focus on minimizing expenses while maximizing results. 
• Manages and appropriately allocates resources. 
• Continuously searches for, identifies, and captures cost-reduction and value-enhancement opportunities. 
• Makes recommendations based on effectiveness. 
• Anticipates implications of a situation and allocates resources accordingly; balances long-and-short term planning. 
• Looks for methods to increase efficiency and to avoid inappropriate use of time or resources. 
• Applies business process and conducts financial analysis to identify costs, risks, and alternatives. 
• Identifies obstacles and potential delays to implementation of initiatives. 
• Balances reasonable risks against potential gain in making decisions and proposals. 

• Understands and meets the needs of users and addresses their interests and the concerns of those affected. 
• Anticipates user needs and expectations across functions. 
• Proactively seeks out information needed to satisfy users. 
• Remains professional and helpful with users. 
• Ensures user needs are consistently satisfied with the highest standards of quality. 
• Takes reasonable risks in satisfying user needs. 
• Balances expectations and needs of various stakeholders. 

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