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OLA Presentation 308 Librarians Off the Desk: Developing Paraprofessionals for Reference. Karen Nicholson, Rebekah Schmidt and Julie Willson. Presentation Outline. Blended service at McMaster Paraprofessional’s perspective Environmental scan and rubrics Training Program Questions.
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OLA Presentation 308Librarians Off the Desk:Developing Paraprofessionals for Reference Karen Nicholson, Rebekah Schmidt and Julie Willson
Presentation Outline • Blended service at McMaster • Paraprofessional’s perspective • Environmental scan and rubrics • Training Program • Questions
Assumptions • Single service point • Staffed by paraprofessionals • Go live: Jan. 2009 (Thode & Innis); Sept. 2010 (Mills) • Self-service = primary mode of delivery • Review of services and staffing
Blended Service Teams • Implementation and Design Group • Training Team • Mentors • Referral Group
Timeline (Thode & Innis) Blended service announced Revised training program starts Vendor visits Training hiatus Jan. 09 Feb. 09 Jun. 08 Sept. 08 Dec. 08 June 09 Sept. 09 Go live Date II Training begins Assessment Go live Date I
The View from the TrenchesJulie WillsonSenior Reference AssistantThode Library of Science and Engineering
Environmental Scan and RubricsRebekah SchmidtBlended Services Design and Implementation Group
Environmental Scan • Reviewed Articles Compiled Bibliography • Top 3 Articles • Meldrem, Joyce (2005) Redesign your Reference Desk: Get Rid of It. • Flanagan, Pat and Lisa R. Horowitz (2000). Exploring New Service Models: Can Consolidating Public Service Points Improve Response to Customer Needs? • Bracke, Marianne Stowell., et al (2008). Evolution of Reference: A New Service Model for Science and Engineering Libraries. • Prepared Recommendations for BSIDG
Recommendations • Communicate the logistics of blended service and the initiatives of BSIDG to library administrators and staff • Provide change management workshop(s) • *Define and understand the different philosophies of service for circulation and research help • *Pre-assessment/post-assessment (Mills) staff regarding educational background, work experience, technology skills • *Each trainer or training team provide a lesson plan and specific outcomes that can be assessed in a concrete manner
Recommendations • *Implement methods of feedback that allow trainees a venue for constructive criticism • *Provide ongoing training after formal implementation of blended service • Devise methods for assessing training • *Define and outline policy regarding referral process for McMaster libraries • Define competencies for blended service staff (provide concrete examples)
Rubrics • Concrete tool for assessment for the paraprofessionals in training and for management • Four Distinctive Rubrics • Circulation • Customer Service • Information Fluency • Technology
Rubrics • 3 increments of progression were agreed upon • Developing: Does not yet meet the minimum standard of performance; can perform research help duties with assistance • Proficient: Meets the minimum standard of performance; can perform most research help duties alone • Accomplished: Exceeds the minimum standard of performance; can perform research help duties alone, can make appropriate decisions using good judgment in the absence of the supervisor
Rubrics • Measure progress and outlined expected standards of service • Library Management concrete form of assessment • Trainers also aware of expectations. Able to utilize rubrics to guide the creation of training sessions and assignments
Timeline (Thode & Innis) Blended service announced Revised training program starts Vendor visits Training hiatus Jan. 09 Feb. 09 June 09 Sept. 08 Dec. 08 June 09 Sept. 09 Go live Date II Training begins Go live Date I Assessment
Providing support • Library /union agreement • Rubrics • Liaison support (mentoring, shadowing) • Release time for trainees • Technology training & support for trainees
Information fluency training • Outcomes, assessment aligned with rubrics • Collaborative, active learning • Concepts and transferable skills • Multiple learning opportunities, settings http://www.sxc.hu/photo/653041
Service culture http://www.flickr.com/photos/macetg/4254146813/in/set-72157623161563760/
Mentoring and shadowing http://www.flickr.com/photos/macetg/4185443734/in/set-72157623000115870/
Assessment • Written • Multiple choice, short answer, matching • Reference interview • Technology http://www.sxc.hu/photo/948188
Program evaluation and feedback http://www.flickr.com/photos/macetg/3420787539/in/set-72157616377544791/
Redesign for Round II: 2009-2010 • Technology training up front • Study skills session • Guidelines for mentors, mentees, shadowing • Units & breaks!
Thank you! Questions?