Special Librarian Onboarding Checklist

Special Librarian Onboarding Process

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

Special Librarian Onboarding Checklist

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

2. Introduction to the Library: The new special librarian is introduced to the library’s physical space, including the layout, different sections, and resources available. They are given a tour of the library and introduced to key staff members, such as the library director, department heads, and colleagues. This task is usually performed by the library director or a senior librarian.

3. Introduction to Library Systems: The new special librarian is provided with training on the library’s integrated library system (ILS), digital databases, cataloging systems, and other technology platforms used for managing library resources. This task is typically performed by the library’s IT department or a designated systems librarian.

4. Collection Overview: The new special librarian receives an overview of the library’s collection, including the types of materials, subject areas covered, and any unique collections or special archives. They are also introduced to the library’s collection development policies and procedures. This task is usually performed by the collection development librarian or a subject specialist librarian.

5. Reference Services Training: The new special librarian undergoes training on providing reference services to library users, including how to conduct effective research, use reference tools, and assist patrons in finding relevant resources. This task is typically performed by the reference librarian or a designated training coordinator.

6. Cataloging and Classification Training: The new special librarian receives training on cataloging and classifying library materials according to established standards, such as MARC (Machine-Readable Cataloging) and Library of Congress Classification. They learn how to create bibliographic records, assign subject headings, and ensure accurate metadata. This task is usually performed by the cataloging librarian or a designated cataloging trainer.

7. Interlibrary Loan (ILL) Procedures: The new special librarian is trained on the library’s interlibrary loan procedures, including how to request materials from other libraries and process incoming loan requests from external institutions. They learn about copyright considerations, ILL software, and best practices for efficient resource sharing. This task is typically performed by the interlibrary loan librarian or a designated ILL coordinator.

8. Specialized Database Training: The new special librarian undergoes training on specialized databases relevant to their field, such as legal databases, medical databases, or industry-specific databases. They learn how to navigate these databases, conduct advanced searches, and retrieve relevant information for library users. This task is usually performed by the subject specialist librarian or a designated database trainer.

9. Library Policies and Procedures: The new special librarian is provided with a comprehensive overview of the library’s policies and procedures, including circulation policies, collection development guidelines, patron privacy policies, and any other relevant policies. They are also trained on emergency procedures and safety protocols. This task is typically performed by the library director or a designated policy coordinator.

10. Professional Development Opportunities: The new special librarian is informed about professional development opportunities available within the library and the industry, such as conferences, workshops, webinars, and online courses. They are encouraged to participate in these activities to enhance their skills and stay updated with the latest trends in librarianship. This task is usually performed by the professional development coordinator or a designated mentor

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

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