Record Librarian Onboarding Checklist

Record Librarian Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Record Librarian 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 Record Librarian, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Record Librarian onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

Record Librarian Onboarding Checklist

1. Orientation: The new record librarian attends an orientation session to familiarize themselves with the library’s mission, vision, and values. This task is typically performed by the human resources department or a designated orientation coordinator.

2. Introduction to Library Policies and Procedures: The new record librarian is provided with a comprehensive overview of the library’s policies and procedures, including those related to record management, cataloging, and preservation. This task is usually performed by the head librarian or a senior staff member.

3. Familiarization with Library Systems: The new record librarian is trained on the library’s integrated library system (ILS) or any other software used for cataloging and managing records. This task is typically performed by the library’s IT department or a designated systems librarian.

4. Introduction to Record Classification Systems: The new record librarian is introduced to the library’s record classification systems, such as the Dewey Decimal System or Library of Congress Classification. They learn how to assign appropriate call numbers and subject headings to records. This task is usually performed by the head librarian or a senior cataloging librarian.

5. Training on Record Cataloging: The new record librarian receives training on cataloging records, including metadata creation, authority control, and subject analysis. They learn how to create accurate and consistent records for easy retrieval. This task is typically performed by a senior cataloging librarian or a designated cataloging trainer.

6. Understanding Record Preservation and Conservation: The new record librarian is educated on the principles and techniques of record preservation and conservation. They learn how to handle, store, and protect records to ensure their longevity. This task is usually performed by a preservation librarian or a designated preservation specialist.

7. Introduction to Record Retrieval Systems: The new record librarian is trained on the library’s record retrieval systems, such as online databases or physical filing systems. They learn how to efficiently locate and retrieve records for library users. This task is typically performed by the head librarian or a designated reference librarian.

8. Collaboration with Other Library Departments: The new record librarian is introduced to other library departments, such as circulation, reference, and interlibrary loan. They learn how to collaborate with these departments to provide seamless services to library users. This task is usually performed by the head librarian or a designated liaison librarian.

9. Familiarization with Library Collection: The new record librarian becomes familiar with the library’s collection, including its various formats, genres, and subject areas. They learn how to assess the quality and relevance of records for acquisition or removal. This task is typically performed by the head librarian or a designated collection development librarian.

10. Introduction to Library Policies on Confidentiality and Copyright: The new record librarian is educated on the library’s policies regarding confidentiality of patron records and copyright compliance. They learn how to handle sensitive information and ensure legal compliance. This task is usually performed by the head librarian or a designated policy coordinator.

11. Training on Library Equipment and Tools: The new record librarian receives training on the library’s equipment and tools, such as scanners, microfilm readers, and preservation supplies. They learn how to operate and maintain these tools effectively. This task is typically performed by the library’s IT department or a designated equipment specialist.

12. Introduction to Library Committees and Professional Organizations: The new record librarian is introduced to library committees and professional organizations relevant to their role. They learn about opportunities for professional development and networking within the library community. This task is usually performed by the head librarian or a designated professional development coordinator

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example Record Librarian checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Record Librarian 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.