University Librarian Onboarding Checklist

University Librarian Onboarding Process

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

University Librarian Onboarding Checklist

1. Orientation: The new University Librarian should undergo a comprehensive orientation program to familiarize themselves with the organization’s mission, vision, values, and strategic goals. This task is typically performed by the Human Resources department, with input from senior library staff and the librarian’s direct supervisor.

2. Introduction to Library Staff: The new University Librarian should be introduced to the library staff, including department heads, supervisors, and other key personnel. This task is usually performed by the librarian’s direct supervisor or a designated staff member.

3. Introduction to Library Policies and Procedures: The new University Librarian should receive a detailed overview of the library’s policies and procedures, including circulation, collection development, reference services, and interlibrary loan. This task is typically performed by the librarian’s direct supervisor or a designated staff member.

4. Familiarization with Library Systems and Technologies: The new University Librarian should be trained on the library’s integrated library system (ILS), digital repositories, online databases, and other technologies used in library operations. This task is usually performed by the library’s IT department or a designated staff member.

5. Introduction to Library Collection: The new University Librarian should be given a comprehensive overview of the library’s collection, including print and electronic resources, special collections, and archives. This task is typically performed by the librarian’s direct supervisor or a designated staff member.

6. Understanding Library Budget and Financial Management: The new University Librarian should receive training on the library’s budgeting process, financial management, and procurement procedures. This task is usually performed by the library’s finance department or a designated staff member.

7. Collaboration with Academic Departments: The new University Librarian should be introduced to key faculty members and academic department heads to foster collaboration and understand the specific needs of different disciplines. This task is typically performed by the librarian’s direct supervisor or a designated staff member.

8. Introduction to Library Committees and Governance: The new University Librarian should be familiarized with the library’s committee structure, including faculty committees, collection development committees, and strategic planning committees. This task is usually performed by the librarian’s direct supervisor or a designated staff member.

9. Training on Library Services and Programs: The new University Librarian should receive training on the library’s various services and programs, such as information literacy instruction, research support, and outreach initiatives. This task is typically performed by the librarian’s direct supervisor or a designated staff member.

10. Understanding Library Assessment and Evaluation: The new University Librarian should be trained on library assessment and evaluation methods, including data collection, analysis, and reporting. This task is usually performed by the librarian’s direct supervisor or a designated staff member.

11. Introduction to Library Policies and Guidelines: The new University Librarian should be provided with copies of the library’s policies, guidelines, and strategic plans for reference and future decision-making. This task is typically performed by the librarian’s direct supervisor or a designated staff member.

12. Familiarization with Library Facilities and Resources: The new University Librarian should be given a tour of the library facilities, including study areas, computer labs, special collections rooms, and staff offices. They should also be introduced to the library’s physical resources, such as books, journals, and multimedia materials. This task is usually performed by the librarian’s direct supervisor or a designated staff member.

13. Introduction to Library Partnerships and Collaborations: The new University Librarian should be informed about the library’s partnerships and collaborations with other institutions, organizations, and consortia. This task is typically performed by the librarian’s direct supervisor or a designated staff member.

14. Understanding Library Policies on Intellectual Property and Copyright: The new University Librarian should receive training on intellectual property rights, copyright laws, and fair use policies to ensure compliance in library operations. This task is usually performed by the librarian’s direct supervisor or a designated staff member.

15. Introduction to Library Emergency Procedures: The new University Librarian should be briefed on the library’s emergency procedures, including fire safety, evacuation plans, and disaster recovery protocols. This task is typically performed by the librarian’s direct supervisor or a designated staff member.

16. Familiarization with Library Professional Development Opportunities: The new University Librarian should be informed about professional development opportunities, such as conferences, workshops, and webinars, to enhance their skills and knowledge in the field. This task is typically performed by the librarian’s direct supervisor or a designated staff member.

17. Introduction to Library Governance and Reporting Structure: The new University Librarian should be provided with an organizational chart and an overview of the library’s reporting structure, including lines of authority and decision-making processes. This task is typically performed by the librarian’s direct supervisor or a designated staff member.

18. Understanding Library Strategic Planning: The new University Librarian should be briefed on the library’s strategic planning process, goals, and objectives to align their work with the overall vision of the organization. This task is typically performed by the librarian’s direct supervisor or a designated staff member.

19. Introduction to Library Marketing and Communication Strategies: The new University Librarian should receive training on the library’s marketing and communication strategies, including social media campaigns, newsletters, and promotional events. This task is usually performed by the library’s marketing department or a designated staff member.

20. Establishing Relationships with External Stakeholders: The new University Librarian should be encouraged to establish relationships with external stakeholders, such as alumni, donors, community organizations, and other libraries, to enhance the library’s visibility and support. This task is typically performed by the librarian’s direct supervisor or a designated staff member

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

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