H COUNCILL TRENHOLM STATE TECHNICAL COLLEGE Training for

H. COUNCILL TRENHOLM STATE TECHNICAL COLLEGE Training for Success: A Comprehensive Plan for Library Paraprofessionals Zenobia L. Blackmon ~ Delphine Goldsmith Head Librarian ~ Library Technical Assistant

Abstract Summary Library paraprofessionals are vital to the success of a viable library program. They are usually the first point of contact for library patrons. “What you see is what you get (WYSIWYG). ”

…. Abstract Summary In that vain, professional development for library paraprofessionals is a must. With minimal funding appropriations for professional development, we have developed a comprehensive plan for ongoing paraprofessional training experience within our own college environment. By utilizing the experience of the library professionals and other college professionals, we will endeavor to strengthen the job-related skills of the paraprofessionals.

OUTLINE p p p Abstract Summary Vision Mission Goal & Objectives Stakeholders SWOT Analysis Core Competencies Current Staffing Issues Plan of Action Challenges Summary

The Paraprofessional’s Career “Nice work if you can get it, and you can get it if you try. ” …. Ira Gershwin

Vision The Trenholm Tech Library Administration will provide a dynamic learnercentered environment where excellence in teaching and learning will improve the paraprofessionals job-related skills.

Mission The mission of this project is to provide accessible educational opportunities for career preparation for our paraprofessionals.

Goal To ensure accessibility to quality professional development opportunities for all library paraprofessionals.

Objectives 1. To develop and/or strengthen paraprofessionals job-related skills by requiring them to complete two professional development activities a year. 2. To encourage learning and innovation by incorporating one new job-related skill to be mastered annually as evidenced by the Annual Performance Evaluation.

Stakeholders College Administration Instructors Library Staff Students

SWOT Analysis Strengths Qualified trained professionals Appropriate facilities Grant funding Dedicated employees Support of Administration Support of our Program Advisory Committee

SWOT Analysis Weaknesses Limited Staff Inexperience Staff Local Funding Restraints Staff Stability

SWOT Analysis Opportunities Build employees self-confidence Develop a comprehensive professional development plan to be used by other two year college libraries Involve staff in the creation of the professional development plan

SWOT Analysis Threats Inadequate Preparation Time Funding Shortfalls Changing Technology Retention & Recruitment of Personnel Accreditation Standards

Current Paraprofessionals Employed Ø Ø Media Technician/Part-time Secretary Library Clerk/Part-time

Core Competences Ø 1. 2. 3. Library Clerk Assist patrons with information and directional requests. Responsible for shelf-reading with the assistance of part-time clerk and student assistants. Assist Library Technical Assistant with processing books for circulation. Part-time Library Clerk Assist patrons with information and directional requests. Assist Library Clerk with shelf-reading. Routinely process overdue notices.

Core Competences Ø 1. 2. 3. 4. Secretary Establish and maintain a filing system. Type, proofread and revise correspondence, reports, and general office documents. Compose and type routine correspondence and minutes of meetings. Coordinate appointment schedules for library personnel.

Plan of Action 1. 2. 3. Identify the learning experiences that would strengthen and/or develop the desired competences via a Needs Assessment Survey. Establish a timeline for completion of required learning experiences. Develop a training schedule which will include a minimal of two activities per year. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 4. 5. Conference/Workshop Audit college classes Web-Course/Tutorials Staff development workshop hosted by Library Administration Arrange a shadow day with another local library. Assign an in-house mentor. 4. Follow up with staff participants twice a year to assess progress. 5. Paraprofessional will complete an annual evaluation of the prescribed professional development plan.

Challenges 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Finding the time to prepare the training exercises and setting dates for training. Finding additional funding for Workshops or Conferences. Finding free/inexpensive Web training. Scheduling conflicts due to inadequate staffing. Operating a satellite library with no additional staff.

SUMMARY Ø Ø Ø Ø The comprehensive plan was partially initiated. Every paraprofessional was afforded the opportunity to attend at least one professional development workshop and/or conference, or participate in a web-assisted tutorial. We have begun the mentoring process: the Library Clerk is now mentored by the Library Technical Assistant. We have recently experienced a shortfall in our staffing, which has stalled our professional development plans. Significant improvement was observed in the execution of the paraprofessional’s job-related skills. We will begin planning next year’s professional development this semester. The Needs Assessment Survey will also be administered at that time. Our professional development plan will complement our College’s strategic initiatives.

As stated by Winston Churchill… “Give us the tools and we will finish the job. ” …IS OUR GOAL

Questions