1999 Dunn & Wilson Scholarship project

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

Crossing the line: A survey of Library Technicians in alternate roles

Methodology

In early 2000 an email was posted to the ALIA Libtec listserv requesting contact from individuals who were currently in, had been in or knew of people working in positions that were not traditional library roles (such as circulation, reference, serials, acquisitions or cataloguing). Network connections were also used to identify individuals who were then approached directly. Originally, I had hoped to include trips to the capital cities to interview these people in person, however, due to personal job opportunities late in 1999 and throughout 2000, I was unable to undertake this trip. To counteract this a questionnaire was developed aimed at gaining insight into:

Reasons for a career shift
Roles and responsibilities
Personal advice and suggestions to library technicians

Eleven library technicians responded to the questionnaire with titles ranging from Intelligence Officer to Publications and Information Officer. Of interest was that there was no obvious correlation between the amount of library experience held by the respondents and the decision to take on new roles. New graduates as well as experienced library technicians responded who had explored 'crossing the line'. There was also general agreement on the skills that supported the transfer and the opportunities that the move provided.

Analysis of the survey was done after the broad skills and knowledge listings had been established. The aim of this was to consider the similarity between the skills and knowledge identified by the respondents to the skills identified in the broad analysis. The survey also offered insight into the library specific skills that respondents found had supported their transfer.

The following represents a summary of the key responses. Appendix 3 records the responses of individuals to all questions.

Table 8: Library Technician Survey - key responses

Reason for move	Need for challenge/change Available opportunity Promotion and/or skills development Financial; salary benefits Climate
Library Specific Skills	Customer Service Serials Management Research/Reference/analytical skills Information organisation (including cataloguing and classification, database development) Knowledge and use of databases Staff supervision Indexing Web Searching Project Management Training Knowledge of Copyright Records Management Displays and Promotions Library Technology
Generic Skills	Customer Relations/Client Service Communication - oral and written Computer /Information Technology Web skills - HTML, design Working in a Team Leadership Analytical skills Presentation skills Telephone techniques Administration Negotiation Time Management Meeting skills Business Planning Assertiveness Conflict Resolution
Personal Benefits	Career development - expanded opportunities Skills development Financial Job satisfaction - diversity of work Increased self-confidence Flexible work conditions Opportunity to identify personal strengths and weaknesses Greater challenge Opportunity to express creativity Maintaining a link to libraries Increased recognition of contribution to the organisation
Professional Benefits	Expanded knowledge of the broader information industry Increased skills development Opportunity for further study Increased autonomy and responsibility Professional recognition and reputation for ability to achieve work outcomes Enhanced communication skills Opportunity to develop project management skills Development of technical writing skills Ongoing involvement with the rapid change in technology Opportunity to promote Library Technician's to a wider market Increased opportunity for professional networking

The above represents a breakdown summary only. Reading of the individual responses is recommended for a more concise representation of the reasons for change, the benefits and elements to consider. All respondents reflected positively on the experience, whilst also recognising the need to consider all the pros and cons of a move. There is no sense that it has been a negative experience or that it prevents a move back into libraries. In fact for some it has been an 'opportunity' to experience and develop new skills that may prove useful in future traditional library positions.

Overall changing roles offered these library technicians increased self-confidence and faith in their ability to take on new challenges and meet expectations. In their words...

Go for it!

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