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Education for Library Staff

Education for Library Staff. Meeting the needs of paraprofessionals in Utah Peter Kraus, University of Utah. Background & History.

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Education for Library Staff

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  1. Education for Library Staff Meeting the needs of paraprofessionals in Utah Peter Kraus, University of Utah

  2. Background & History • In 2000 the Division of Continuing Education at Salt Lake City Community College was approached by a group of public library directors; their concern was the lack of training available to para-professionals and non MLS-degreed professionals who work in libraries in the Wasatch Valley.

  3. Demographics • In the State of Utah the population was growing at well above the national average. • Between 1990 to 2000 the population increase in Utah was 29.6% • Circulation in Public Libraries statewide increased 73%

  4. Staffing • The impact on staffing in public libraries • 45% increase in urban areas • 47% increase in rural areas • In a few “high growth” areas, staff increased by 82%. • Staff increases do not keep track with workloads; often workloads increased even with more staff.

  5. The Need for Continuing Education • Brigham Young University had an established and well-respected program of library education, not only at the graduate level (MLS), but also, with an undergraduate certificate in library services. As was the trend for a number of universities with graduate and undergraduate programs in librarianship, Brigham Young University gradually phased out its library education program, with the last class graduating in 1993.

  6. Salt Lake Community College • 3-course program • Provides students with practical and philosophical education. • Promotes the values of our profession • Meets the needs of public libraries large and small

  7. Course Offerings • Introduction to Library Services • Public and Information Services for Libraries • Library Technical Services Each course is 3 credit hours

  8. Enrollment • Enrollment began with 6 students, classroom instruction only. • Now the courses are offered statewide via web-ct. • Currently about 30 students are enrolled from UT, WY and AZ. • Demographics: Majority female, ages 30 and over.

  9. The Future • International Students? Inquires from Africa and Asia. • Meet student demands, e.g., more technology?

  10. Successes • Para-professionals promoted because of the knowledge and insight they’ve gained through courses • Students pursuing MLS degrees, e.g., Emporia State, Joint University of North Texas/UNLV Program, UNC-Chapel Hill.

  11. More Successes • Students realizing their own potential: “I can be a professional.” • Empowerment: “I can make a difference where I work” • Opportunities in libraries Creating an educated workforce in libraries

  12. Concerns • Web-CT / Distance Ed isn’t for everyone • Students not always following through on work • Technical support from SLCC

  13. Challenges • Getting library support: time and money • Students • Rewarding effort • Pay • Equity

  14. Opportunities • Opportunities for advancement • Emporia State, UNT/UNLV

  15. Conclusions • In order to keep up with an aging workforce, an increase in population and a demand in library services, we believe that this program will thrive. However, more support is needed from library directors in the state.

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