Library Technical Assistant Onboarding Process
Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Library Technical Assistant 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 Library onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Library Technical Assistant, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Library Technical Assistant onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.
Library Technical Assistant Onboarding Checklist
1. Orientation: The new Library Technical Assistant attends an orientation session to familiarize themselves with the library’s mission, values, policies, and procedures. This task is typically performed by the Human Resources department or a designated staff member responsible for onboarding new employees.
2. Introduction to Library Systems: The new Library Technical Assistant receives training on the library’s integrated library system (ILS) and other software used for cataloging, circulation, and managing library resources. This task is usually performed by the library’s IT department or a designated staff member responsible for training on library systems.
3. Familiarization with Library Collections: The new Library Technical Assistant is introduced to the library’s collections, including books, periodicals, multimedia materials, and digital resources. They learn how to navigate the library’s physical and virtual collections, understand the organization of materials, and locate resources for patrons. This task is typically performed by a senior librarian or a designated staff member responsible for collection management.
4. Understanding Library Policies: The new Library Technical Assistant is provided with a comprehensive overview of the library’s policies, such as borrowing rules, interlibrary loan procedures, privacy guidelines, and code of conduct. They learn how to enforce these policies and answer patron inquiries regarding library policies. This task is usually performed by a senior librarian or a designated staff member responsible for policy implementation.
5. Customer Service Training: The new Library Technical Assistant undergoes customer service training to develop effective communication skills, learn how to handle difficult patrons, and provide exceptional service to library users. This task is typically performed by the library’s training coordinator or a designated staff member responsible for customer service training.
6. Shelving and Organization: The new Library Technical Assistant learns how to shelve and organize library materials according to the library’s classification system, such as the Dewey Decimal System or Library of Congress Classification. They also learn how to maintain the overall order and cleanliness of the library shelves. This task is usually performed by a senior librarian or a designated staff member responsible for shelving and organization.
7. Circulation Procedures: The new Library Technical Assistant is trained on the library’s circulation procedures, including checking materials in and out, issuing library cards, processing holds and reserves, and managing overdue items. They learn how to use the library’s circulation software and handle various circulation scenarios. This task is typically performed by a senior librarian or a designated staff member responsible for circulation services.
8. Reference and Information Services: The new Library Technical Assistant receives training on providing reference and information services to library users. They learn how to assist patrons in finding relevant resources, conduct basic research, and use reference tools and databases. This task is usually performed by a senior librarian or a designated staff member responsible for reference services.
9. Interlibrary Loan Process: The new Library Technical Assistant is trained on the interlibrary loan process, including how to request materials from other libraries, track incoming and outgoing loans, and handle interlibrary loan requests from patrons. This task is typically performed by a senior librarian or a designated staff member responsible for interlibrary loan services.
10. Emergency Procedures: The new Library Technical Assistant is educated on the library’s emergency procedures, including evacuation plans, fire safety protocols, and handling medical emergencies. They learn how to respond appropriately in emergency situations and ensure the safety of library users. This task is usually performed by the library’s safety officer or a designated staff member responsible for emergency preparedness
Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process
From reading through the items in the example Library Technical Assistant checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Library Technical Assistant up to speed and working well in your Library 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.