Staffing the modern library/ John M. Cohn and Ann L.Kelsey

Introduction: Considering the Altered Environment of Libraries... 1
How has technology changed the
library environment? 1
How can we rethink how library functions are
accomplished? 2
How do we enhance and expand staff resources
in a complex environment? 4
Sources 4
1. Establishing a Framework: Understanding
the Library as a "Lean" Organization 7
What is a "lean" organization? 7
What are the building blocks of the lean library
organization? 8
Sources 11
2. Defining Twenty-first Century Competencies:
Determining Standards for the Modern Library ... 13
How are library competencies changing? 13
Why is defining competencies important? 14
What competencies do libraries need today? 15
What are basic elements of competency-based
job descriptions? 19
How do we transition from competencies to skills?.... 21
Sources 22
3. Developing Competency-based Job Descriptions:
Using Reference Service as an Illustration 25
How has reference service been transformed
in the digital environment? 25
What changes face today's reference librarian? 27
How do we move toward competency-based
job descriptions for today's reference librarian? 30
Sources 32
4. Facilitating the Move to Competency-based Staffing:
Creating a Guide to Planning and IVaining 35
What are the key assumptions in developing
competency-based staffing? 35
What is the role of management in moving to
a new learning environment? 36
How do we decide on the elements of an effective
program? 37
How do we implement a staff development
program? 39
Sources 42
5. Outsourcing and Insourcing: Exploring the
Options and Issues in Today's Library 45
How do we define outsourcing and insourcing? 45
Why do libraries outsource or insource? 47
What are the implications of outsourcing for
existing staff in union and non-unionized
environments? 48
How do labor relations affect the outcome of a
contracted service? 49
What are the benefits and challenges in
outsourcing or insourcing? 50
Sources 52
6. Planning the Use of Contracted Services:
Ensuring a Library's Presence on the Internet 57
How do we enhance the library presence on the
World Wide Web? 57
What are the major Web site development
planning issues? 58
Who does the work? 59
How do we coordinate staff resources for
Web site development? 65
Sources \ 55
7. Arranging her Contracted Services:
Developia j Digital Collection 67
Why do libraries digitize? 67
What are the components of a digitization project? 68
Who does the work? 69
Sources
8, Designing the Mix: Choosing What Works Best
for the Library "75
How do libraries typically choose among
various staffing options? 75
Which factors—^beyond cost—are crucial? 76
What ways can we think strategically about
staffing options? 78
Sources
Conclusion: Broadening the Definition of "Staff " in a
Virtual World
What has this book covered? 83
How do we best organize human resources
for effective results? 84
Sources ^6
Source Guide to Staffing the Modem Library 87
Source A: Core and Technical Competencies for
Librarians (NJLA) 89
Source B: Competencies for Librarians
Serving Children (ALSC) 93
Source C: Music Librarian Competencies (MLA) 95
Source D: Sample Behavioral and
Competency-based Job Description 97