Americans do not read as much as they did in the past. There are significantly fewer readers today than there were four years ago. Instead of borrowing or buying traditional books, many have turned to electronic devices. It is a sad fact that only half of Americans today can read above an eighth grade level. Libraries throughout the country are reflecting these changes. There is a demand for staff open to new ways of doing things and forward thinking. When considering new library staffing LA communities need to ask relevant questions.
An important question to ask is how the individual feels today's libraries should impact the community. You will be looking for someone who wants to make the community stronger, make connections with members of the community, and understands the power a public institution can have within the community. A good candidate will be enthusiastic about reading and writing literacy programs, job fairs, and free computer literacy classes.
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.
It's easy to give a general answer to the question of customer service, so the person doing the interviewing might ask the applicant to give a concrete example of how he or she handled a difficult client. You are looking for someone who knows how to remain composed in a difficult situation and has problem solving skills.
In order to assess the candidate's qualifications, you might ask a question regarding assisting college students with research projects. You will be looking for specific knowledge about relevant works available in this facility and how willing the applicant is to teach college students how to request literature from libraries within the system. You want an applicant who understands the difference between assistance and doing the work for the student.
You might ask a candidate how the facility could be improved to create an atmosphere more conducive to learning without regard to gender, age, or status of the patrons. A good answer should include setting up stations with good lighting, comfortable chairs, and attractive accessories. These stations should be free of clutter and immaculately maintained. Hours of operation need to reflect the needs of patrons who work for a living.
No interview would be complete without questioning applicants about the role they think social media should play in libraries. You want to hire an individual with enthusiasm about the positive aspects of social media, who has some experience with the various platforms, and understands how to market the library's resources to a targeted 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.
An important question to ask is how the individual feels today's libraries should impact the community. You will be looking for someone who wants to make the community stronger, make connections with members of the community, and understands the power a public institution can have within the community. A good candidate will be enthusiastic about reading and writing literacy programs, job fairs, and free computer literacy classes.
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.
It's easy to give a general answer to the question of customer service, so the person doing the interviewing might ask the applicant to give a concrete example of how he or she handled a difficult client. You are looking for someone who knows how to remain composed in a difficult situation and has problem solving skills.
In order to assess the candidate's qualifications, you might ask a question regarding assisting college students with research projects. You will be looking for specific knowledge about relevant works available in this facility and how willing the applicant is to teach college students how to request literature from libraries within the system. You want an applicant who understands the difference between assistance and doing the work for the student.
You might ask a candidate how the facility could be improved to create an atmosphere more conducive to learning without regard to gender, age, or status of the patrons. A good answer should include setting up stations with good lighting, comfortable chairs, and attractive accessories. These stations should be free of clutter and immaculately maintained. Hours of operation need to reflect the needs of patrons who work for a living.
No interview would be complete without questioning applicants about the role they think social media should play in libraries. You want to hire an individual with enthusiasm about the positive aspects of social media, who has some experience with the various platforms, and understands how to market the library's resources to a targeted 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.
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