The Pros and Pitfalls of Cross-Training

1. The Pros and Pitfalls of Cross-Training Amy Beckham Osborne University of Kentucky College of Law Library

2. Looking toward Cross Training • Why cross-train? • Where is cross-training being done? • Cross-training and Law Libraries • Pros • Pit-falls

3. Why Cross-Train • Improve productivity • Alleviate boredem • May be more efficient than brining in new hires • Improve moral • Maintain a flexible attitude • Breaks down the “us versus them” mentality • Counteract short-term/long-term leaves of absence

5. Where is Cross-Training being Done • Private Industry • Academia • Military

6. Private Industry • Greenpages • Dawn Food Products • Medical Technology Labs • Physician’s Offices

7. Military • Exemplifies working as a unit • Everyone pitches in to get the job done • Work together as a unit

8. Models of Military Cross Training • Equipment Model • Task Model • Team Interaction Model • Team Model

9. Implementing a Cross Training Program – the Do’s • Who should be cross trained? • Identify the skills needed for the position • Look at list of employees’ proficiencies • Can be formal or informal • Make the cross training fair • Evaluate the program to ensure continued effectiveness • Make sure program meets the institutional needs

10. Cross-Departmental Exchange • Positional Clarification • Positional Sharing • Positional Rotation

11. Implementing a Cross Training Program – The Don’ts • Do not cross train just one department • Can be done over a long period of time

12. From the top down or from the bottom up? • Where should cross training begin? • Everyone needs to buy-in and participate

14. Cross Training and Law Libraries • Circulation • Processing - Mail • Loose-leaf filing • Basic Reference • Simple computer tasks

15. Specific Reference tasks to consider • Reference interview • Vendor interfaces • Search techniques • Access

16. Informal Survey • 20 Libraries contacted – 16 responded “All of our librarian, despite their responsibilities must sit at least one shift at the reference desk. It is important that everyone understands that everything we do affects how we help our patrons” Anonymous Library Director

17. Informal Study

18. Pros • Less down time • Familiarity • Environment of collaboration – team approach • Environment of upward mobility • Reduce workload in overworked areas • Boost morale • Increases job knowledge

19. Pit-Falls • Lack of time • Money – especially in private law libraries and businesses • Morale could fall

20. Can Cross training benefit your library?