Serials Librarian Onboarding Checklist

Serials Librarian Onboarding Process

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

Serials Librarian Onboarding Checklist

1. Introduction to the library: The new serials librarian should be given a comprehensive introduction to the library, including its mission, vision, and organizational structure. This task is typically performed by the library director or a senior librarian.

2. Familiarization with library policies and procedures: The new librarian should be provided with a detailed overview of the library’s policies and procedures, including those related to serials management, acquisitions, cataloging, and circulation. This task is usually performed by the head of technical services or the serials department supervisor.

3. Training on library systems and software: The new librarian should receive training on the library’s integrated library system (ILS), electronic resource management system (ERMS), and other relevant software used for serials management. This training is typically conducted by the library’s systems librarian or a designated IT staff member.

4. Introduction to the serials collection: The new librarian should be given a tour of the library’s serials collection, including print and electronic resources. They should also be provided with information on the library’s subscription databases, online journals, and other digital resources. This task is usually performed by the serials department supervisor or a senior librarian.

5. Understanding budget and financial management: The new librarian should be familiarized with the library’s budgeting process, including how funds are allocated for serials subscriptions, renewals, and cancellations. They should also be introduced to any financial management software or tools used by the library. This task is typically performed by the library’s financial officer or the head of acquisitions.

6. Collaboration with other library departments: The new librarian should be introduced to staff members from other library departments, such as cataloging, reference, and interlibrary loan. This will help foster collaboration and a better understanding of how different departments work together to support library services. This task is usually coordinated by the library director or a designated liaison.

7. Training on copyright and licensing: The new librarian should receive training on copyright laws and licensing agreements related to serials management. This will ensure compliance with legal requirements and help the librarian make informed decisions regarding the use and dissemination of serials content. This task is typically performed by the library’s copyright officer or a designated expert in copyright law.

8. Introduction to library committees and professional organizations: The new librarian should be informed about any library committees they may be expected to join, such as the collection development committee or the serials management committee. They should also be encouraged to participate in relevant professional organizations, such as the Association for Library Collections & Technical Services (ALCTS) or the Serials and Electronic Resources Interest Group (SERIG). This task is usually coordinated by the library director or a designated committee chair.

9. Mentoring and support: The new librarian should be assigned a mentor who can provide guidance and support during the onboarding process. The mentor, typically a senior librarian or the serials department supervisor, should be available to answer questions, provide feedback, and help the new librarian navigate their role within the library.

10. Performance evaluation and goal setting: The new librarian should participate in a performance evaluation process, which includes setting goals and expectations for their role as a serials librarian. This task is typically performed by the library director or the head of technical services, in collaboration with the new librarian and their immediate supervisor

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

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