1999 Dunn & Wilson Scholarship project

Australian Library and Information Association

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Dunn and Wilson scholarship project 1999 Changing roles, changing goals: transferring library technician skills beyond the library

Appendix 3

Library Technician Questionnaire - Roles beyond the Library

Question	Responses
When did you complete your Library Technician qualifications?	1997 1997 1990 1996 1998 1993 1986/ upgrade 1990 1985 1982 1985 1990
Have you worked in a traditional library environment? If yes for how long in total?	Approx 5 years 5 years 11 years 3 years 10 months 13 years 10 years 15 years 8 years 13 years 11 years
What is/was the title of your alternate position?	Account Services Manager Intelligence officer a) OHSandW Consultant; b) OHSandW Consultant/Rehabilitation Coordinator; c) Injury prevention and training Consultant (now Risk Management Development Consultant) Project Supervisor --kReady (Subscriptions Supplier) a) Records Manager (Local Council) b) Software Support Project Officer - AEShareNet (Copyright project) Contractor (non-specific title) Records Policy and Training Coordinator Special Projects Officer; Client Services Manager; Academic Consultant and Marketing Manager Personal Assistant/Office Manager Publications and Information Officer, University
How long have/did you hold this position?	6 months 12 months (acting) a) 2.5yrs; b) 1 yr c) 3 yrs 2 years a) 1 year b) 7 months 4 months 5 year period (self-employed) 2 years (records positions for 4 years) 5 years - total 1 year 5 years
What are/were the responsibilities of this position?	Customer Liaison Provide confidential info from Govt/Non-govt agencies to investigators; ensure privacy and confidentiality provisions are adhered to; Identify new info resources; preliminary analysis of data; provide timely and efficient service Management of OHSandW/Rehabilitation; ensure all State health units achieve required accreditation; Develop/deliver state wide training program in OHSandW; undertake internal audits, develop strategic business plans, provide advice/support Create contents database; develop new projects/services; facilitate project starts; client and publisher liaison a) Records mgmt and Team Leader; daily operations; indexing and registration of inwards and outwards correspondence; implementation/training of staff part with digital imaging of documents; coordination of rescue/repackaging of paper documentation b) Technical writer of support notes, online info and training documents for RM system; Software trainer; provide support and help desk assistance to clients Project management, database testing, database creation and data entry; materials collection; copyright clarification; marketing; electronic records management Creating retention/disposal schedules; allocating file titles/numbering systems; records disposal; RM training; participation in information sessions Development/implementation of sector wide records mgmt practices (govt); government thesaurus development and management; promotion/training and provision of advice Academic consultant; training; sales; marketing Records management; research; book-keeping; word processing; client liaison Design/layout of Faculty print and online publications; arrange printing and distribution; maintain Faculty website; coordinate Faculty Open Days; contribute to marketing strategies; support staff with publications advice and assistance
What was the reason for your decision to move into an alternative role?	Opp to expand customer related skills; better Salary chance for greater autonomy in the workplace promotion opp; identified need to do something new previous org did not support personal growth; lack of promotion opp; personal interest in OHSandW Climate based- awareness of position through networks - applied remotely Totally financial - inability to secure permanent library work and frustration with application interview processes; despite no previous records Management experience was successful in gaining RM position (Employment National) Workplace change, job dissatisfaction, need for challenge Network contact initially - a 'help-out' role which grew as client base developed Opportunity arose (approached re position); better pay; flexible working hours; confirmation that RM was seen as being important Advancement and opportunity to develop new skills Opportunity - job available at the time of 'early retirement' To focus on publication design and layout - test opportunity for future career directions; prompted by a lack of recognition or acknowledgement of the value of contribution to previous organisation's objectives
Can you identify the specific skills/knowledge gained from your Library Technician qualification and any subsequent library practice that were transferable to the alternative role.	Customer contact experience; Serials mgmt; ILS experience; client appreciation of library knowledge Research/analytical skills; computer skills are essential; ability to organise information in a useful and retrievable format; knowledge and understanding of legislation (part Privacy, Corp and ASIC Acts) Customer service; research; computing, database knowledge and use; ILL; reference, displays, student orientation (training); special projects; bibliography; cataloguing Reference; web searching 5.Technical knowledge of databases; indexing; classification structures, components of systems analysis; problem solving; implementing change; research skills; internet skills; archiving practices Client services; communication; cataloguing/classification/abstracting skills; knowledge and experience with copyright requirements; project and marketing skills; technology skills Cataloguing; subject heading allocation; indexing skills; research skills; questioning/interview skills; Client service; search and retrieval skills, research; analytical skills; classification skills; information technology and database skills; knowledge of the information management environment Research skills; communication skills, training of others; culture of previous library roles encouraged and supported new skills, regardless of formal qualification which laid a solid foundation of valuing skills and ability ALL skills and knowledge accrued during library practice have contributed to effectiveness in current role; practical areas are records management; research; word processing Computing skills; attention to detail; qualities of well designed, accessible, information resources; online user interface design; knowledge of copyright principles; awareness of the breadth and scope of collected knowledge
Can you identify which generic skills (ie communication) were applicable/transferable to this position?	1.Customer relations; telephone manner; Communication/interpersonal essential to liaison role with investigators and external agencies; negotiation skills, ability to work and communicate as part of a team; training Communication, interpersonal skills, aggression mgmt; meetings; minute taking; team work; analytical skills; telephone skills understanding people; consultation Communication, HTML. Computer skills; supervision; assertiveness training; telephone techniques Communication and interpersonal skills for team leading; reference interview; technical writing and reports; training, presentation and seminar skills; listening skills; problem solving Written and oral communication, administration skills; client service, people skills; team skills; leadership skills; time management, personal computing Word processing; database management; oral and written communications Client service; written and oral communication skills; basic information technology and database skills; business planning and analysis skills Communication; training (formal and one-on-one) Communication; assertiveness; conflict resolution are applicable to all positions Communication; positive customer service attitude; observation and situation analysis skils; patience and tolerance
Would you consider or have you made a move back into a traditional library position?	Yes, but dependant on autonomy and salary level. Must match and this is not seen as likely! Yes No Yes No n/a Yes Unlikely Yes Cannot be discounted! Yes and No....
If yes, Why?	No particular reason but currently enjoying position Misses aspects of library work; important to keep skills up-to-date Offered permanent position - suited requirements at that time If position offered with suitable seniority, provided a challenge and the opportunity for further advancement Financial, but only if alternative positions were not available; (disenchanted by erosion of LT role in library services) Library staff are fired by the passion to ignite people's imagination and to help them find answers to their questions
If no, Why?	Moved beyond library work in skills and knowledge; lack of currency in library skills Salary levels; shift work requirements; autonomy; challenge and excitement of working with new technologies; travel opportunities Role is based within specialist service 'Infospec' which is closely linked to the library Current position seniority would require shift/extended hours of work; non-flexible work schedules; consider that RM is a more dynamic area of Info Mgmt than libraries at present. lack of scope for development of broad desktop publishing skills. Poor remuneration commensurate with talent/capabilities.
*What have been the benefits to you personally* from moving into this/these position/s?**	Mostly financial (and less time on public transport) Greater understanding of organisation structures; broader view of working in the information industry (don't need to just work in libraries) Expanded career development; constant skills development; more responsibility; passionate about the work; job satisfaction Increased self-confidence from adapting to change in personal and professional surroundings; younger outlook based on staff age demographics of previous and current position Recognition of personal strengths and weaknesses and preferred role types; development of career path incorporating required skills training; awareness pf EEO principles; increased self-confidence; recognition of ability to map career paths; presentation and training skills; being part of emerging technologies in information management Greater challenge; skills development opportunity; further development of project mgmt skills; networking; marketing; being part of a national project; autonomy (sole operator for the project in state); being able to get on with the job Flexible working hours; financial benefits of contract work; taxation benefits; opportunity to learn other useful skills Flexible working conditions; high pay, increased promotional opportunities; diversity of work; high level of personal input into design and goals of the job; opportunity to work with people from all government areas Provision of challenges not available in libraries; business planning skills development; maintaining links to libraries; funding for skills and knowledge development; travel (at times!) Opportunity express creativity; increased recognition of contribution to organisation; Dollar value! Better financial rewards; more suitable working hours
*What have been the benefits professionally* from moving into this/these position/s?**	Knowledge of another aspect of the industry; Enhanced skills base; Professional networking opp; Skills in range of databases; new avenue for further study; network opportunity with other Intelligence officers and gov't agencies. Expanded knowledge of key legislation Professional recognition and reputation for ability to achieve work outcomes; recognised workplace training and assessment qualification Increased communication skills; knowledge of supplier useful if return to library work eventuates Scope for new skills and knowledge development; project managements skills; technical writing skills development; client liaison responsibility; change management skills and knowledge; continued library and info mgmt networking opportunities through conferences, seminars Acknowledgement of LT ability/competence to hold positions equivalent to Librarian; acknowledgement from management that positions can be 'skills' based not qualification based Opportunity to promote LT skills to wider market; networking opportunity - useful contacts; career planning opp. - recognise jobs that didn't suit; more employable through the wider range of skills available to potential employers Expansion of processional skills in info mgmt; opportunity to participate in rapidly evolving area of professional work, particularly with electronic records Overlap with personal benefits; Training Having decided to move from the professional mainstream (retirement) unable to identify appropriate benefits Desktop publishing/computer skills development; broader knowledge of design applications; opportunities for developing 'online' layout and design skills
Do you have any advice for library technicians considering a move?	Do it! Gain is worth the risk, even for contract work and the benefits can provide valuable contacts Try other positions to identify individual niche that suits the individual Plan the move; take leave of absence to explore possibilities; never forget the skills learnt as they can assist in transition; Continue education and professional development; remain current with skills required for the workplace now; If the move doesn't work you can always change back If unhappy or there is no scope for career development, skills enhancement or performance rewards then Go For It! If you have reasonable chance of measuring up for the job (75%) then Go for it - everything to gain and nothing to lose Go for it! Even if only for a short time. The benefits outweigh the negatives Opportunity to work in a variety of areas offers new challenges, and extends skills, knowledge and confidence; gaining experience within different facets of info mgmt provides a useful perspective and may lead to a holistic career in this area Try it, don't be afraid; can always return to library work if it doesn't work out; return however with a greater understanding of the would outside libraries; need to be prepared to work non-standard hours at times Go for it! This experience further support the concept of 'Change generating Change'; move has opened up greater opportunities Leaving the politics of work aside, enjoy doing what you do well. Believe in yourself!