Brick & Click 2019

Research has shown that employees who are satisfied with their jobs are not only happier, but also provide better customer service. Library management and supervisory teams can use many different methods to facilitate a positive work environment. This session will cover how our supervisor team led the transition from a passive, and sometimes even negative, work environment to an engaging and supportive workplace for our student employees. We will discuss the methods we used, from leveraging staff turnover in our favor to actively avoiding phrases like “we’ve always done it that way!” and talk about the challenges we encountered along the way. We will also outline how we utilized leadership concepts and discuss why this is important for the success of a team.

Do you have student workers you manage? Tried something new and it failed? You are not alone! As the Access Services Librarian, I am the HR representative for all student workers in the library. Over the past five years, I have tried to create a training program for the library. Key word: Tried. Since 2014, I have tried different types of training in my library to unify our student worker staff. I will discuss the ideas that worked, the ones that did not, and the ones I plan to try in the future.

The reference interview remains a relevant and established method of communication between librarians and users in meeting information needs. However, the discovery and use of information online affects library services within reference and public service to include technical service skills and personnel. While core professional competencies of electronic resource librarianship include communication, the profession lacks behavioral guidelines outlining best practice. The presenters share research examining public and technical service interactions for evidence of new and traditional reference interview behaviors when troubleshooting access to electronic resources. Beyond breaking down “public” and “technical” silos, identifying these behavioral similarities and differences leads to better service to users, wherever their point of need begins.

Student workers provide essential labor for academic libraries, but aside from a paycheck, what can they get from their employment experience in return? On-campus employment affords supervisors and students the chance to develop a mentoring relationship. Because so many student employees are new to the workforce, their supervisors have the chance to help them develop the skills that will serve them well in their employment after graduation. This interactive session will explore how supervisors can provide mentorship and opportunities for personal growth by helping employees to identify and cultivate their strengths.

Missouri Southern State University - Spiva Library staff will present how to use current resources, minimal additional resources, and smart investments to build and expand programming in a time when everyone is being asked to do more with less. Over the course of the last year, the library has offered over ten events for less than $1000.00. Learn how to make wise investments and increase outreach, all while stretching precious dollars. It is possible to provide affordable programming and do more with less.