Core Technology Competencies for Librarians and Library Staff

When it comes to technical know-how, do you and your staff measure up? Given the rapid pace of change in technology and library services, it is challenging to maintain the technology skills that librarians and library staff need. What are the best ways to measure and develop competencies to ensure your library is ready to support the next new technical system? If you’re ready to hire a new systems librarian, which requirements should you specify in the job description? If you’re looking for the answers, then this latest LITA Guide is just what you need.

Ideal for public and academic libraries, Core Technology Competencies for Libraries provides an excellent starting point for you to define and evaluate the right inventory of technical skills and management attributes for yourself and your staff. Lita experts share their experience on technical competencies expected of all libraries and library staff; technical competencies needed by specialists like technology managers, or systems and IT librarians, and success stories about meeting performance standards that will show you how major libraries have demonstrated best practices in technology competency. Employing the skillenhancement tools in this book will help staff that work hard to also “work smart”, and take advantage of technology to improve collections and service. Extensive appendices include core competency lists, personnel assessment checklists, job descriptions, and training curricula.