- All visitors can expect the library staff to bridge the digital divide
- Customers don’t have needed knowledge base
- Maintain relevancy through up-to-date knowledge, skills, training, etc
- Be flexible in adapting to new technologies
- All ages can expect library staff to see customers as an opportunity for education
- Libraries can open many doors
- Partner with community groups to educate them about the library’s resources
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Know how to find, evaluate and use information: information fluency
Mon, 03/19/2012 - 08:44
#1
Know how to find, evaluate and use information: information fluency
After reading Jon's comments, I feel mine will be inadequate. If I am off base, please forgive me.
On the above strategic goals, I suggest the following change of wording:
1. Library staff will help all visitors bridge the digital divide
a. Customers knowledge base may be limited ("don't have needed knowledge" assumes the majority of our customers will need help; we know this not to be true)
b. Staff maintain relevent, thorough up-to-date knowledge, skills, and training
c. Staff will demonstrate flexibiility when adapting to new technologies.
Evaluate this goal:
Did the library have programs, activities, or events for customers needing knowledge about digital media?
Is there documented training through the LMS that staff are receiving training to keep up with the changes to technology?
Staff demonstrate to the manager that they are adaptive and flexible to the new technologies.
2. All ages can expect library staff to see customers as an opportunity for education
a. Each visit, all customers learn something new.
b. Community partners know about the library’s resources
Evaluation this goal:
a. Staff demonstrate knowledge sharing through bookmarks, discussions, displays, and following the Service Principle: Go the extra mile.
b. Demonstrate regular visits with community partners for sharing information and resources.
I'm so glad you've joined in Linda! We can use this forum as a brainstorming approach that hopeully will continue into a dialogue with more employees.
You've included ideas on ways to collect the data and I like that because it can help us think of what it will take to achieve the goal. Sometimes that information can really help in writing a goal that's even more helpful and meaningful.
I really appreciate you jumping in and contributing to this forum.
It would be nice to get input from the group of supervisors that discussed this response at X-Change so we can learn more about the points under the goals. Were you in that group?
I didn't get to attend X-Change so missed the opportunity. I just tried to look at what was posted and how it could be interpreted by someone who didn't write them or ways they could be evaluated.
I was in that group of supervisors! In fact, I was the notetaker. What kind of input are you looking for?
I like how Linda re-worded 1.a. to be more positive. I remember from that discussion that the group was concerned with how many customers are satisfied to just "google" something rather than seek out vetted, fact-checked information that many librarians go to. We wanted to highlight the skills that MLS librarians have to deliver quality information to both the haves and the have-nots.
Jana, I'm so glad you joined in the discussion! It was helpful to hear of your discussion about how customers use google.
I was curious about the group's thoughts or intentions with the points under the 2 goals. Are these designed to actually be subgoals or tidbits to help us get a better idea of what the goal involves?
If I remember correctly, those additional points were included as tidbits of information for your use, and came about during our discussion of the goal.
Alright, I appreciate the clarification.
The revised strategic goals are easy to read and understand. Much Better!
I'm glad to hear that you think these are easy to read and understand. Thank you joining in the conversation Shren.
The language of the goal 1 above "All visitors can expect the library staff to bridge the digital divide" may be a bit limiting.
How does the rewrite below differ? Which type do you prefer for this particular response and why?
Goal 1: The library hires, trains and retains staff that have up-to-date knowledge, skills, and abilities in providing excellent library service.
The language of the goal 2 above "All ages can expect library staff to see customers as an opportunity for education." is apparently not very clear to some. What do you think the goal intends the staff to do?
Do you understand the goal or is the following more clear to you?
Goal 2: Staff use each interaction with a customer as an opportunity to educate about the library's resources.
I think the statements lose their power when they become overly specific, wordy or descriptive. I like something like this better because it is simple, direct and still gets the meaning across:
Goal 1: The library offers expert, knowledgeable staff who receive continuous, up-to-date education and technology training.
Goal 2: Staff connect all customers with library resources at every point of contact.
In the first draft of goal 2, was the purpose to emphasize the fact that we serve all ages? If so, we would need to consider leaving that phrasing in the goal statement. One more point, which again, is just my opinion, but care should be used in word choice. Including words like "bridging the digital divide" and "educate" while good descriptions and good explanations, can come across as condescending. We want to choose words that don't suggest a hierarchy among staff and customers. Thank you for offering the opportunity for input!
Jennifer, I really appreciate your thoughtful input! I think the points you've made are right on target and really like how you've offered some strong suggestions.