necessity is the mother of invention: using non core staff to provide core services - debra mccann
TRANSCRIPT
NECESSITY IS THE MOTHER OF INVENTION; USING NON CORE
STAFF TO PROVIDE CORE SERVICES
Debra McCann UCD Library
Interview and HiringTargeted communication to all postgraduate students: 47
interviewed and 22 recruited
Selection based on previous experience and availability
15 minute face to face interview We concentrated on:
Teamwork Dependability
Understanding of the role.
Training programme
“Tell me and I will forget, show me and I may remember, involve me and I will understand”
Training manual developed and tailored for the group
Training morning organised - included inputs from other units
Detailed training given to student workers assigned to designated areas
Peer to peer training
Context and Expectations
• Monotonous and repetitive but essential work
• Important to contextualise how their part is integral to the overall library service
• Placing them firmly in the organisational chart shows them the relevance of their role
From ‘Student’ to ‘Worker’Guidance about behaviour and attire required
Pay structures
Getting the cohort to work as a team
Work Cultures • Student workers from 5
different countries working together
• Different expectations
• Forthright in their requests as to what the library could/should do for them
• Some were relaxed about administration and deadlines
CommunicationClear communication to students is fundamental
to their effectiveness as library staff
Getting responses to your communication was challenging
Challenge - supervising staff working shifts while you’re not on site
Feedback from student workers
• Survey Monkey – our favourite tool• 2 surveys sent out• Students want longer shifts• Additional duties• Better rates of pay