Americans are not reading as much as they used to. The percentage has come down significantly over the last four years. Those who do read often use electronic devices instead of buying or borrowing books. Half of Americans can't even read at the eighth grade level. If libraries are going to remain relevant, the staff must have forward thinking ideas and be open to new ways of doing things. Interview questions asked when library staffing LA institutions should reflect this.
One such question should pertain to the library's place in the community. You want staff that understands the importance of this public institution's standing in the community and its responsibility to reach out to community members in an effort to make the community stronger and more vital. Good candidates for the staff will have enthusiasm for organizing job fairs, writing and reading literacy and computer literacy programs.
You should be ask questions about the applicant's attitude toward customer service. Public libraries have many patrons, and not all of them are easy to handle. You need employees with the right kind of temperament, who are adaptable, and willing to go out of their way to assist patrons. This includes assistance with research projects and explaining the ins and out of categorization.
If you get a general answer on the customer service question, you might ask the job applicant for a specific example of a time a difficult client presented a challenge for them. This will tell you a lot about their ability to remain composed in difficult situations and about their level of problem solving skills.
Asking how the job applicant would handle assisting college students with research will give you an idea of how qualified he or she is. You need to have people in place with an intimate knowledge of what resources are available at their location. The staff must be able to help students with requests for books available at other libraries within their system. Staff members must be resourceful and organized.
You can ask the job applicant about the best approach to create an atmosphere within the center that is conducive to learning regardless of the age, gender, or status of the client. A good answer is to set up stations in the library with comfortable chairs, good lighting, and potted plants. The library should be immaculate and free of clutter. Whenever possible hours of operation should reflect an acknowledgement of the needs of working clients.
An important question to ask in today's media savvy culture is the place of social media in a public institution. You are looking for someone who has experience with different social media platforms and marketing. You also need an individual who understands the importance of targeting a specific audience.
Libraries can't survive by clinging to their tradition as a repository for books that only card carrying patrons can check out. They must be interactive and forward thinking. Libraries need staff willing to recognize the distinction and build on it.
One such question should pertain to the library's place in the community. You want staff that understands the importance of this public institution's standing in the community and its responsibility to reach out to community members in an effort to make the community stronger and more vital. Good candidates for the staff will have enthusiasm for organizing job fairs, writing and reading literacy and computer literacy programs.
You should be ask questions about the applicant's attitude toward customer service. Public libraries have many patrons, and not all of them are easy to handle. You need employees with the right kind of temperament, who are adaptable, and willing to go out of their way to assist patrons. This includes assistance with research projects and explaining the ins and out of categorization.
If you get a general answer on the customer service question, you might ask the job applicant for a specific example of a time a difficult client presented a challenge for them. This will tell you a lot about their ability to remain composed in difficult situations and about their level of problem solving skills.
Asking how the job applicant would handle assisting college students with research will give you an idea of how qualified he or she is. You need to have people in place with an intimate knowledge of what resources are available at their location. The staff must be able to help students with requests for books available at other libraries within their system. Staff members must be resourceful and organized.
You can ask the job applicant about the best approach to create an atmosphere within the center that is conducive to learning regardless of the age, gender, or status of the client. A good answer is to set up stations in the library with comfortable chairs, good lighting, and potted plants. The library should be immaculate and free of clutter. Whenever possible hours of operation should reflect an acknowledgement of the needs of working clients.
An important question to ask in today's media savvy culture is the place of social media in a public institution. You are looking for someone who has experience with different social media platforms and marketing. You also need an individual who understands the importance of targeting a specific audience.
Libraries can't survive by clinging to their tradition as a repository for books that only card carrying patrons can check out. They must be interactive and forward thinking. Libraries need staff willing to recognize the distinction and build on it.
About the Author:
When you are searching for information about library staffing LA residents can come to our web pages today. More details are available at http://www.wjmoon.com/Library-Consulting-Services.html now.
No comments:
Post a Comment