Library Attendant Onboarding Checklist

Library Attendant Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Library Attendant starts their role, they can learn about their responsibilities and your company as quickly as possible? Whether you’re keen to use buddy onboarding, want to automate your Clerical onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Library Attendant, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Library Attendant onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

Library Attendant Onboarding Checklist

1. Orientation: The library attendant attends an orientation session conducted by the human resources department or a designated supervisor. This session provides an overview of the company’s policies, procedures, and expectations, as well as an introduction to the library’s mission, vision, and values. It may also cover topics such as workplace safety, emergency procedures, and employee benefits. The HR department or supervisor performs this task.

2. Introduction to Library Staff: The library attendant is introduced to the library staff, including supervisors, colleagues, and other team members. This allows them to become familiar with their coworkers, understand their roles and responsibilities, and establish initial working relationships. The supervisor or a designated staff member performs this task.

3. Tour of the Library: The library attendant is given a comprehensive tour of the library facility, including different sections, departments, and service areas. This helps them become familiar with the layout, understand the organization of materials, and locate important resources such as restrooms, break rooms, and emergency exits. A senior staff member or supervisor typically conducts this task.

4. Introduction to Library Policies and Procedures: The library attendant is provided with a detailed explanation of the library’s policies and procedures. This includes guidelines for handling library materials, checking in and out items, managing overdue fines, assisting patrons, and maintaining a clean and organized environment. The supervisor or a designated staff member is responsible for explaining and clarifying these policies.

5. Training on Library Systems and Software: The library attendant receives training on the library’s computer systems, software, and databases. This includes learning how to use the library’s integrated library system (ILS) for cataloging, circulation, and inventory management, as well as any specialized software or databases used for research or reference purposes. The library’s IT department or a designated staff member provides this training.

6. Familiarization with Library Collection: The library attendant is introduced to the library’s collection, including books, periodicals, multimedia materials, and digital resources. They learn about the library’s classification system, shelving procedures, and how to locate and retrieve items for patrons. A senior staff member or supervisor guides the attendant through this process.

7. Customer Service Training: The library attendant undergoes customer service training to develop effective communication and interpersonal skills. This training covers topics such as active listening, conflict resolution, handling difficult patrons, and providing assistance and guidance to library users. The supervisor or a designated staff member conducts this training.

8. Safety and Emergency Preparedness: The library attendant receives training on safety protocols and emergency preparedness. This includes learning about fire evacuation procedures, first aid and CPR training, handling hazardous materials, and maintaining a safe working environment. The library’s safety officer or a designated staff member is responsible for providing this training.

9. Introduction to Library Programs and Services: The library attendant is introduced to the various programs and services offered by the library, such as storytime sessions, book clubs, computer classes, and research assistance. They learn about the library’s outreach initiatives, community partnerships, and ways to engage with patrons. A senior staff member or supervisor provides this information.

10. Shadowing and Mentoring: The library attendant is paired with an experienced library staff member who serves as a mentor. They shadow the mentor to observe and learn about daily tasks, workflows, and best practices. The mentor provides guidance, answers questions, and helps the attendant acclimate to their new role. The supervisor or a designated staff member arranges this mentoring relationship.

11. Performance Expectations and Evaluation: The library attendant is informed about the performance expectations for their role, including attendance, punctuality, professionalism, and job-specific responsibilities. They are also made aware of the evaluation process, including performance reviews and opportunities for growth and development. The supervisor or a designated staff member communicates these expectations.

12. Introduction to Library Policies on Confidentiality and Privacy: The library attendant is educated on the library’s policies regarding patron confidentiality and privacy. They learn about the importance of safeguarding patron information, maintaining confidentiality in interactions, and adhering to relevant laws and regulations. The supervisor or a designated staff member explains these policies.

13. Introduction to Library Committees and Staff Meetings: The library attendant is introduced to any committees or staff meetings they will be expected to participate in. They learn about the purpose, frequency, and structure of these meetings, as well as their role and responsibilities within them. The supervisor or a designated staff member provides this information.

14. Introduction to Library Resources and Reference Materials: The library attendant is familiarized with the library’s reference materials, including dictionaries, encyclopedias, databases, and online resources. They learn how to assist patrons in finding information, conducting research, and utilizing these resources effectively. A senior staff member or supervisor guides the attendant through this process.

15. Introduction to Library Policies on Diversity and Inclusion: The library attendant is educated on the library’s policies and commitment to diversity and inclusion. They learn about promoting equal access to resources, respecting cultural differences, and creating an inclusive environment for all patrons. The supervisor or a designated staff member explains these policies.

16. Introduction to Library Programming and Events: The library attendant is introduced to the library’s programming and events, such as author talks, workshops, and community engagement initiatives. They learn about their role in supporting and promoting these activities, as well as any specific tasks they may be assigned. A senior staff member or supervisor provides this information.

17. Introduction to Library Technology and Equipment: The library attendant is trained on the use of library technology and equipment, such as self-checkout machines, printers, scanners, and audiovisual equipment. They learn how to troubleshoot common issues, assist patrons with using these devices, and report any maintenance or repair needs. The library’s IT department or a designated staff member provides this training.

18. Introduction to Library Policies on Intellectual Freedom: The library attendant is educated on the library’s policies and commitment to intellectual freedom, including the principles of free access to information and the importance of protecting patrons’ rights to read and explore diverse ideas. The supervisor or a designated staff member explains these policies.

19. Introduction to Library Budget and Financial Procedures: The library attendant is provided with an overview of the library’s budget and financial procedures. They learn about purchasing protocols, tracking expenses, and handling cash transactions, if applicable. The library’s finance department or a designated staff member explains these procedures.

20. Introduction to Library Marketing and Promotion: The library attendant is introduced to the library’s marketing and promotion strategies. They learn about the library’s website, social media presence, newsletters, and other communication channels used to promote services, programs, and resources. A designated staff member responsible for marketing provides this information.

21. Introduction to Library Policies on Intellectual Property: The library attendant is educated on the library’s policies regarding intellectual property rights, copyright laws, and fair use. They learn about the importance of respecting authors’ rights and providing proper attribution when using or sharing copyrighted materials. The supervisor or a designated staff member explains these policies.

22. Introduction to Library Interlibrary Loan Services: The library attendant is familiarized with the library’s interlibrary loan services, which allow patrons to borrow materials from other libraries. They learn about the process of requesting and receiving interlibrary loan items, as well as their role in facilitating these transactions. A senior staff member or supervisor guides the attendant through this process.

23. Introduction to Library Collection Development: The library attendant is introduced to the library’s collection development policies and procedures. They learn about the criteria for selecting and acquiring new materials, weeding out outdated or damaged items, and maintaining a balanced and diverse collection. The supervisor or a designated staff member explains these policies.

24. Introduction to Library Preservation and Conservation: The library attendant is educated on the library’s preservation and conservation practices to ensure the longevity of materials. They learn about proper handling, storage, and cleaning techniques, as well as the importance of protecting fragile or rare items. A designated staff member responsible for preservation provides this information.

25. Introduction to Library Volunteer and Internship Programs: The library attendant is introduced to the library’s volunteer and internship programs. They learn about the application process, roles and responsibilities of volunteers and interns, and how to support and collaborate with them. The supervisor or a designated staff member provides this information.

26. Introduction to Library Policies on Social Media and Online Presence: The library attendant is educated on the library’s policies regarding social media usage and online presence. They learn about guidelines for representing the library online, interacting with patrons on social media platforms, and maintaining a professional and positive image. The supervisor or a designated staff member explains these policies.

27. Introduction to Library Policies on Intellectual Freedom: The library attendant is educated on the library’s policies and commitment to intellectual freedom, including the principles of free access to information and the importance of protecting patrons’ rights to read and explore diverse ideas. The supervisor or a designated staff member explains these policies.

28. Introduction to Library Budget and Financial Procedures: The library attendant is provided with an overview of the library’s budget and financial procedures. They learn about purchasing protocols, tracking expenses, and handling cash transactions, if applicable. The library’s finance department or a designated staff member explains these procedures.

29. Introduction to Library Marketing and Promotion: The library attendant is introduced to the library’s marketing and promotion strategies. They learn about the library’s website, social media presence, newsletters, and other communication channels used to promote services, programs, and resources. A designated staff member responsible for marketing provides this information.

30. Introduction to Library Policies on Intellectual Property: The library attendant is educated on the library’s policies regarding intellectual property rights, copyright laws, and fair use. They learn about the importance of respecting authors’ rights and providing proper attribution when using or sharing copyrighted materials. The supervisor or a designated staff member explains these policies.

31. Introduction to Library Interlibrary Loan Services: The library attendant is familiarized with the library’s interlibrary loan services, which allow patrons to borrow materials from other libraries. They learn about the process of requesting and receiving interlibrary loan items, as well as their role in facilitating these transactions. A senior staff member or supervisor

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example Library Attendant checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Library Attendant up to speed and working well in your Clerical team. Scroll up to see the link to our onboarding templates & resources or get in touch to discuss getting help setting up your systems and processes in this area.