On January 8, 2026, from 2:00–3:00 PM Eastern, I’ll be partnering with LibraryWorks to offer a practical, one-hour webinar focused entirely on building (or strengthening) an effective onboarding process for library staff. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
Hiring a new employee is one of the most important investments a library can make. Yet too often, onboarding is treated as a short orientation checklist rather than a thoughtful, strategic process. A strong onboarding plan and program is not just “nice to have”—it is essential to staff success, organizational health, and excellent public service.
Here’s why a great onboarding program truly matters in libraries.
It helps new employees feel welcomed and valued
Libraries are people-centered organizations. From the very beginning, onboarding sends a powerful message about how much an employee is valued. A warm, well-planned onboarding experience helps new hires feel supported rather than overwhelmed, setting a positive tone for their entire employment journey.
It reduces anxiety and builds confidence
Starting a new job can be stressful, especially in libraries where staff must learn policies, procedures, technology systems, and customer service expectations quickly. Effective onboarding provides structure, clarity, and reassurance. When employees know what to expect and where to find help, confidence grows.
It sets clear expectations early
Good onboarding goes beyond job duties. It helps new staff understand:
- Service philosophy and customer service standards
- Workplace culture and communication norms
- Performance expectations and accountability
Clear expectations early on reduce confusion, prevent misunderstandings, and support consistent performance.
It strengthens customer service
Library staff are on the front lines of public service. When employees understand the library’s mission, values, and priorities from day one, they are better prepared to provide welcoming, consistent, and high-quality service to patrons.
It increases retention and reduces turnover
Replacing staff is expensive—not just financially, but in time, morale, and institutional knowledge. Employees who experience strong onboarding are more likely to feel connected to the organization and stay longer. In libraries, where relationships and expertise matter deeply, retention is critical.
It supports equity and inclusion
A structured onboarding program ensures that all employees receive the same information, training, and support, regardless of background or prior library experience. This consistency promotes fairness, transparency, and a more inclusive workplace culture.
It accelerates productivity
Without onboarding, new employees often rely on trial and error. A thoughtful program helps staff become effective more quickly by showing them how things work, who to ask for help, and where resources are located. This benefits both the employee and the organization.
It reinforces library culture and values
Onboarding is where library culture becomes real. It’s an opportunity to demonstrate collaboration, respect, mindfulness, and service—not just talk about them. The behaviors modeled during onboarding often shape how employees interact with colleagues and patrons long-term.
It supports supervisors and teams
Clear onboarding plans help supervisors and coworkers know how to support new hires. Defined roles, timelines, and expectations reduce stress on existing staff and ensure the onboarding experience is consistent and effective.
It’s an investment in long-term success
Onboarding is not a one-day event—it’s the foundation for employee engagement, professional growth, and leadership development. Libraries that invest in strong onboarding are better positioned to adapt, innovate, and serve their communities well.
In short, great onboarding builds confident staff, strong teams, and better libraries. For library leaders and managers, it’s one of the smartest investments you can make.
Curtis Rogers Consulting, LLC 