Special Needs Librarian Onboarding Checklist

Special Needs Librarian Onboarding Process

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

Special Needs Librarian Onboarding Checklist

1. Orientation: The new Special Needs Librarian attends an orientation session to familiarize themselves with the company’s mission, values, policies, and procedures. This task is typically performed by the Human Resources department or a designated orientation coordinator.

2. Introduction to the Library: The new librarian is given a tour of the library facility, including an overview of the different sections, resources, and services available. This task is usually performed by a senior librarian or the library director.

3. Introduction to Colleagues: The new librarian is introduced to their colleagues, including other librarians, support staff, and administrators. This helps foster relationships and promotes collaboration within the library. The task of introducing the new librarian is typically performed by the library director or a designated mentor.

4. Review of Special Needs Programs: The new librarian receives a comprehensive review of the library’s special needs programs and services. This includes an overview of the target audience, available resources, and any ongoing initiatives. The task is performed by the librarian responsible for overseeing special needs programs or a designated program coordinator.

5. Familiarization with Assistive Technologies: The new librarian is provided with training on the various assistive technologies available in the library to support individuals with special needs. This includes learning how to operate and troubleshoot these technologies. The task is performed by the library’s technology specialist or a designated trainer.

6. Understanding Accessibility Guidelines: The new librarian is educated on the accessibility guidelines and standards that need to be followed when designing and organizing library spaces, resources, and services. This task is typically performed by the library’s accessibility coordinator or a designated expert.

7. Review of Special Needs Policies: The new librarian is given a thorough review of the library’s policies related to special needs patrons, including policies on privacy, confidentiality, accommodation requests, and handling challenging situations. This task is performed by the library’s policy coordinator or a designated staff member.

8. Training on Adaptive Equipment: The new librarian receives training on how to use and maintain adaptive equipment such as braille printers, screen readers, magnifiers, and other tools commonly used by individuals with special needs. This task is performed by the library’s adaptive equipment specialist or a designated trainer.

9. Collaboration with Special Education Departments: The new librarian is introduced to the special education departments of local schools or organizations to establish partnerships and collaborations. This task is typically performed by the library director or a designated community outreach coordinator.

10. Review of Relevant Legislation: The new librarian is provided with an overview of the legislation and regulations that impact special needs services in the education sector, such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) or the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This task is performed by the library’s legal advisor or a designated expert.

11. Shadowing Experienced Special Needs Librarian: The new librarian spends time shadowing an experienced special needs librarian to observe and learn best practices in providing services to individuals with special needs. This task is performed by a senior special needs librarian or a designated mentor.

12. Attendance at Professional Development Workshops: The new librarian is encouraged to attend relevant professional development workshops, conferences, or webinars to enhance their knowledge and skills in serving individuals with special needs. This task is typically coordinated by the library’s professional development coordinator or a designated staff member.

13. Review of Library Collection: The new librarian reviews the library’s collection of special needs resources, including books, audiobooks, DVDs, and other materials. This helps them become familiar with the available resources and identify any gaps or areas for improvement. The task is performed by the librarian responsible for collection development or a designated staff member.

14. Introduction to Library Management Systems: The new librarian receives training on the library’s management systems, including the cataloging system, circulation system, and any specialized software used for tracking special needs services. This task is performed by the library’s systems administrator or a designated trainer.

15. Development of Individualized Service Plans: The new librarian learns how to develop individualized service plans for special needs patrons, taking into account their unique needs, preferences, and goals. This task is typically performed by the librarian responsible for individualized service planning or a designated coordinator.

16. Collaboration with Other Departments: The new librarian is encouraged to collaborate with other departments within the organization, such as the counseling department, special education department, or community outreach department, to provide holistic support to individuals with special needs. This task is facilitated by the library director or a designated liaison.

17. Ongoing Professional Development: The new librarian is encouraged to engage in ongoing professional development activities, such as attending webinars, reading relevant literature, or participating in online forums, to stay updated on the latest trends and best practices in special needs librarianship. This task is self-driven but supported by the library’s professional development coordinator or a designated mentor.

18. Evaluation and Feedback: The new librarian participates in regular evaluation and feedback sessions to assess their performance, identify areas for improvement, and receive guidance on enhancing their skills in serving individuals with special needs. This task is typically performed by the library director or a designated supervisor

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

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