Onboarding for New Public Library Employees

After you attend this course, you’ll be able to:

• Describe the core mission of public libraries and common roles of library workers.
  


• Define key library values and articulate how these values inform your daily work and library policies.
  


• Identify the unique needs of your community and how the library's workplace culture shapes its services and operations.
  


• Define concepts of unconscious bias and cultural humility.
  


• Understand how awareness of your own perspective contributes to a more inclusive environment.
  


• Apply effective communication techniques with a diverse range of library users.
  


• Apply de-escalation techniques and reflective listening during challenging user interactions.
  


• Conduct a basic reference interview and determine appropriate sources or referrals.
  

This course consists of 6 on-demand modules:

Module 1: Library Mission and Roles

This beginning module will lay the groundwork for your workplace success by exploring the core mission and vision driving public libraries of all types. You'll learn about common job roles and responsibilities that you might encounter and gain a solid understanding of the essential services and collections that are the heart of public library work. This foundational knowledge will help you connect the dots between the work you do to the library's vital community mission.

Module 2: Core Library Values

Public libraries are built upon a number of fundamental principles. In this module, we'll explore key values such as information access, intellectual freedom, privacy, and the concept of libraries as a public good. Understanding these values is crucial, as they inform daily operations, policies, services, and collections at your library. This module will reveal how these core tenets underpin your work which supports your community.

Module 3: Community and Workplace Culture

Libraries are shaped by their communities, and this module explores how those relationships, alongside your workplace culture, influence your library's operations. In this module you'll learn about diverse library users, identify the unique makeup of your community, and gain an understanding of how a library is tailored to meet local needs. You will also learn about workplace culture, guiding you to identify the dynamics of your own workplace. By the end, you'll grasp how both your local community and workplace culture shape your daily work experiences and contribute to the library's success.

Module 4: Sensitivity Training

Our individual perspectives impact our interactions with library users and colleagues. In this module, we will define and discuss key concepts such as unconscious bias, stereotypes, and cultural humility to help you better understand the varied and complex experiences of others. This sensitivity training aims to provide a foundational understanding of what it means to create a truly inclusive and collaborative environment. By the end, you'll be equipped with the awareness needed to foster a more welcoming library for everyone in your community.

Module 5: Customer Service and De-Escalation

Customer service is a core part of all library roles, and this module will provide you with the skills to handle interactions with both excellence and professionalism. You will learn best practices for courteous and empathetic communication to address user inquiries and resolve common issues. We'll also cover essential de-escalation techniques and the power of reflective listening to navigate challenging interactions and uphold library values. Finally, this module emphasizes self-care, providing you with the tools to manage stress and maintain your well-being after a difficult encounter.

Module 6: Information Assistance

One of the most common and important tasks you’ll do as a library employee is to help patrons find the information they need. This final module will cover the basics of how to conduct a "reference interview," a process to determine a library user’s information need. You will also learn how to determine appropriate sources to consult and identify when a referral to a co-worker is needed. After this module, you will be empowered to assist patrons with their information needs.

Who should take this course

This course is designed for new public library staff, primarily frontline workers without an MLS.

This will be a self-paced, asynchronous online course.

Expected time commitment

This course includes 6 modules, each designed to take approximately 4 hours to complete. You can move through the content at your own pace and on your own schedule. You'll earn 24 hours of PD credit and a Library Journal certificate of completion.

On-demand access

You will have access to the full course and materials for 6 months after your initial registration.

Certificate of completion

Complete the course and earn 24 professional development credit hours. We provide a certificate that is emailed to you.

Support

For support with online courses, please contact course-support@libraryjournal.com .

Discounted rates are available for a limited time only. Secure your tickets now to lock in the best price.

Group Rates

We offer discounts for groups of 3 or more.

For larger groups of 15 or more, we offer the option to apply group rates across multiple courses to receive significant discounts. For more information, select “Bulk Course Credits Packages” in the form below.

Request Discounted Group Pricing

For support with group purchases, please contact groupsales@libraryjournal.com.