OLA Super Conference 2008

1. Demystifying the Librarian/TechnicianDilemma in the Digital Age. Oi-Veh! OLA Super Conference 2008

2. Demystifying the Technician/ Librarian Dilemma in the Digital Age • Management Perspective

3. Demystifying the Technician/ Librarian Dilemma in the Digital Age Why the Dilemma? • Education Hierarchy • Applied/theoretical • Employment • Task performance versus theory

4. Age Demystifying the Technician/ Librarian Dilemma in the Digital Computers arrive/Shift in our roles • Information technology changed the way we all work • Librarians assigned teaching, coordinating and liaison roles • Library Technicians assigned hands on/technical role • IT did not create a dilemma for profession • Roles more stimulating and challenging • Closer to the client/user • 2008/Still have the dilemma

5. 5 Practical tips on how to build Effective Teams?

6. Five Practical Tips! #1. Management has to champion the vision of a collaborative working environment. • Leader/Chief Librarian needs to set the vision which includes the building of a collaborative team. • New structure of working needs to be implemented. • Hierarchy is gone and should be replaced by a flat and simple organization. • Library should be a network of teams that interact for a common vision. • Employees (Librarians and Library Technicians) are empowered as a team to plan, make decisions, take action.

7. Five Practical Tips! #2. Team-Based Structure needs to be implemented. • Flat and simple structure • Foster relationship building • Investment of time • Library Teams will have representatives from all job types. • Teams will understand each other’s role. • Clear understanding of the role of the librarian and the role of the Library technician. • How do you do this?

8. Five Practical Tips! • Two team- based structures at Seneca Libraries • Operational Structure • Strategic Planning Structure

9. Five Practical Tips! • Operational Team Based Structure • Communication • Lots of meetings and discussion • Focus groups with staff/service functions • Librarians and Technicians (Information Services), Newnham Campus • Collections, Marketing and Events, User Education, Academic Services and Research, and Public Services • Functional teams were created for each service

10. Five Practical Tips! • Operational Team Based Structure • Extensive Documentation • Created job scopes/Librarians • Job description review-support staff for each function • Job duties were outlined and discussed in the team meetings • Each member understood the roles of the team • Staff had input into team structure • Technicians and librarians were partners

11. Five Practical Tips! #3. Place the customer/student in the centre of our library services • Common goal • User Focused Philosophy • Space, services, collections • Shift in our philosophy in libraries • Now the focus is on the client

12. Five Practical Tips! #4.Clear roles and responsibilities • Critical aspect of effective teams • Staff conflict can come from unclear responsibilities and goals. • Clear project outlines • Clear job descriptions and team descriptions

13. Five Practical Tips! #5. Staff Commitment • Employees (Librarians and Library Technicians) need to feel empowered as a team to plan, make decisions, take action. • Input is valued and respected • Job is valued as part of the larger organization plan • Common vision and goals

14. Demystifying the Technician/ Librarian Dilemma in the Digital Age • There are successful working relationships in libraries • Following five tips will assist you in building strong teams or being part of the team • Eliminating the grey area between Librarians and Library Technicians

15. Let’s switch from boxing to ballroom dancing!