Americans are not reading as much as they used to. The percentage has come down significantly over the last four years. Those who do read often use electronic devices instead of buying or borrowing books. Half of Americans can't even read at the eighth grade level. If libraries are going to remain relevant, the staff must have forward thinking ideas and be open to new ways of doing things. Interview questions asked when library staffing LA institutions should reflect this.
You need to know whether applicants believe libraries have the capacity to impact communities. You want to hire staff that appreciates the role of libraries in communities to make them stronger and address the needs of its citizens. Libraries have the power to produce change by sponsoring job fairs and computer, reading and writing literacy programs.
You need to know what an applicant's attitude is toward customer service. Public libraries are open to anyone and not everyone is easy to deal with. You want staff with the right temperament, adaptability, and a willingness to go the extra mile. Librarians are employed to assist clients with research projects and to explain how works are categorized.
If you get a general answer on the customer service question, you might ask the job applicant for a specific example of a time a difficult client presented a challenge for them. This will tell you a lot about their ability to remain composed in difficult situations and about their level of problem solving skills.
A question involving assisting college students with their research will tell you a lot about the applicant's qualifications. Here you want to see someone with knowledge about what information is available in this particular center and how a student can request other books within the library system. It is important for the staffer to be organized and resourceful. The librarian's responsibility is to point out the resources available, not do 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.
An important question to ask in today's media savvy culture is the place of social media in a public institution. You are looking for someone who has experience with different social media platforms and marketing. You also need an individual who understands the importance of targeting a specific 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.
You need to know whether applicants believe libraries have the capacity to impact communities. You want to hire staff that appreciates the role of libraries in communities to make them stronger and address the needs of its citizens. Libraries have the power to produce change by sponsoring job fairs and computer, reading and writing literacy programs.
You need to know what an applicant's attitude is toward customer service. Public libraries are open to anyone and not everyone is easy to deal with. You want staff with the right temperament, adaptability, and a willingness to go the extra mile. Librarians are employed to assist clients with research projects and to explain how works are categorized.
If you get a general answer on the customer service question, you might ask the job applicant for a specific example of a time a difficult client presented a challenge for them. This will tell you a lot about their ability to remain composed in difficult situations and about their level of problem solving skills.
A question involving assisting college students with their research will tell you a lot about the applicant's qualifications. Here you want to see someone with knowledge about what information is available in this particular center and how a student can request other books within the library system. It is important for the staffer to be organized and resourceful. The librarian's responsibility is to point out the resources available, not do 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.
An important question to ask in today's media savvy culture is the place of social media in a public institution. You are looking for someone who has experience with different social media platforms and marketing. You also need an individual who understands the importance of targeting a specific 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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