Curtis Rogers Consulting, LLC

Providing training and consulting services to libraries and non-profits.

Is staff education a part of your library’s strategic plan?

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Dr. Curtis Rogers

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Staff education, continuing education, and staff development are integral components of any library’s strategic planning process. Libraries are dynamic institutions that serve diverse communities with evolving needs and expectations. To effectively meet these demands, library staff must possess a wide range of skills and knowledge. Incorporating staff education initiatives into strategic planning ensures that library personnel are equipped to deliver high-quality services and resources to patrons.

One key aspect of staff education is ensuring that librarians and support staff remain up-to-date with advancements in library science, technology, and information management. As technology continues to reshape how information is accessed and disseminated, librarians must stay abreast of emerging trends and tools to provide relevant and efficient services. Continuing education programs allow staff to deepen their expertise in areas such as information literacy, digital resource management, and data analysis, enabling them to better assist patrons in navigating the increasingly complex information landscape.

Moreover, staff development initiatives play a crucial role in fostering a culture of innovation and excellence within the library. By investing in the professional growth of employees, libraries cultivate a highly skilled workforce capable of adapting to changing community needs and technological advancements. Staff development opportunities, such as workshops, conferences, and mentorship programs, empower employees to expand their skill sets, enhance their problem-solving abilities, and cultivate leadership potential. This not only benefits individual staff members but also strengthens the overall capacity of the library to deliver exceptional services and programming.

Furthermore, staff education and development initiatives contribute to employee satisfaction and retention. Libraries that prioritize the ongoing growth and development of their staff demonstrate a commitment to investing in their employees’ professional success and well-being. This, in turn, fosters a positive work environment where staff feel valued, motivated, and engaged in their roles. As employees acquire new skills and knowledge through education and development opportunities, they are better equipped to contribute meaningfully to the library’s mission and goals, ultimately enhancing the institution’s overall effectiveness and impact.

In conclusion, staff education, continuing education, and staff development are essential components of effective strategic planning for libraries. By prioritizing the ongoing professional growth and development of their employees, libraries can ensure that they remain at the forefront of providing innovative and relevant services to their communities. Investing in staff education not only benefits individual employees but also strengthens the library as an institution, enabling it to better fulfill its mission of connecting patrons with information, resources, and opportunities for lifelong learning.

I offer a variety of webinars and in-house training sessions so please visit my consulting services page to learn more about how I can assist your library in staff development and training. https://curtisrogersconsulting.com/training-consulting-services/ 

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About the author

    Dr. Curtis Rogers is a library consultant who has worked in the library and information science field for over 35 years. He has worked at the Union (SC) Carnegie Library, and the Charleston County (SC) Public Library, and retired as the Communications Director of the South Carolina State Library. He has also taught courses at the University of South Carolina School of Library and Information Science. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Geography, a Master of Library and Information Science, and a Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of South Carolina. In 2001, he completed the University of the Azores Summer Study Course in Azorean Portuguese Culture and Language and in 2002 completed the Certified Public Manager credential. In 2008, he was President of the SC Library Association. Rogers developed a national library survey on library use of social media for public relations and presented this survey’s results at the 2009 German Library Association Conference and at the State and University Library of Hamburg. He has served as secretary of the board of the Library Marketing and Communications Conference and as secretary of the SC Academy of Authors, as well as chair of the USC School of Library and Information Annual Literacy Leaders (ALL) Awards Committee. He has also served on the Friends of South Carolina Libraries (FOSCL) board and is a member of the ALA CORE Library Consultants group. He is a recipient of the 2015 F. William Summers Outstanding Alumni Award from the USC School of Library and Information Science.