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Library Value Toolkit: Core Competencies

Task Force Recommendations

What do we think you should keep in mind?

Recommendation 1:
Incorporate core competencies when writing job descriptions or hiring.
You might be missing something!

Recommendation 2:
Include core competencies when monitoring and planning for professional development. These can be indicators for evaluation.

Recommendation 3:
Exploit those competencies that staff have demonstrated. It could lead to new services, new products, new ventures.

Top Resources: Documents

Top Resources: Links

Image credits

Figure with checkmark: Image courtesy of [Master isolated images] / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Skills: Image courtesy of [Stuart Miles] / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

What is this?

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This section is dedicated to identifying some of the core competencies of librarians and health library services through:

 

 

Core Competencies: How does this fit in?

Competent staff is a key 'input' to any program or service.

When new staff is hired, competencies must be identified that are required for the activities and outputs of the position. For current staff, competencies must be evaluated and monitored. Opportunities for professional development, both formal and informal must be provided.

Defining and making others aware of our core comptencies help us to promote our skills and the value we offer our organizations.

Make sure to check out the HSICT Scope of Practice Document under our Top Resources: Documents section.

Give Me an Example!

Image courtesy of [Stuart Miles] / FreeDigitalPhotos.netCore Competencies from CARL

 

Holistic Compendium of Core Competencies from CARL Report (Canadian Association of Research Libraries)
Emphasis depends on position. For Research Librarians, but adaptable.

      • Foundational Knowledge - Know your Subject Area, your Organization, the Extra-institutional Environment, etc.
      • Interpersonal Skills - Adaptability, Communication, Change Management, Advocacy, Marketing, Decision Making, etc.
      • Leadership & Management - Financial Management, Project Management, Risk Management, etc.
      • Collections Development - Digital Curation, Collection Management,  Publishing Cycle, etc.
      • Information Literacy - Reference Services, Learning & Teaching, Critical Thinking, Patron Engagement, etc.
      • Research & Contributions to the Profession - Research & Publications, Conferences, Professional Associations, etc.
      • Information Tech Skills - e-Resource Management, Emerging Web Technologies, ILS, Database Management.




*TASKFORCE NOTE*: We'd like to add our own additional competancy, that may be engrained in all of the above but being in the industry we're in, Service Excellence is definitely another core competancy.