For this kit, 119 Association of Research Libraries (ARL) academic libraries were surveyed to identify: (1) the practices in the area of information desks; (2) information desk staffing; (3) information desk functions; and (4) their relation to the other service points within the particular library. Responses were received from 87 libraries, some…

This guide, which gives student library assistants background information about the New Mexico Tech Library as a whole, is designed to be used in conjunction with the operations manual of the department in which the assistant is placed. It provides information under four headings: (1) Library Departments (reference, interlibrary loan, technical…

Describes the formal educational requirements and qualifications for employment on the cataloging staff of the Library of Congress for both professional and paraprofessional employees and the on-the-job training provided for both levels of staff. (Author/CLB)

Based on personal experiences, both as a paraprofessional and as a professional, in cataloging various types of materials in very different library settings, this author identifies several variables that enter into the cataloging process and describes how learning is achieved. (Author/CLB)

Describes patterns observed in the on-the-job training of copy and original catalogers, noting similarities and differences, and provides recommendations for both the training of new staff and continuing education for experienced staff. (CLB)

Describes the decentralization of original cataloging responsibilities that resulted from the development of an online catalog in an academic library, and a training program for the public service librarians responsible for cataloging. The importance of having cataloging conform with national standards is emphasized. (CLB)

This paper presents a description of the Old Dominion University's (Virginia) Reference Librarian Orientation Program designed to ease the transition of reference librarians new to the school and its reference department. The program introduces the reference librarian to the library, the reference department, and the university itself and consists…

The purpose of this manual is to provide support for selectors as part of an intensive training program at the University of Tennessee (UT) Knoxville libraries to help balance selection decisions and to meet the needs of both undergraduates and researchers. The following major topics are addressed: (1) collection development at UT Knoxville…

Personal narrative of the experiences of two graduates of the same library school who each accepted a position as a serials cataloger in the same academic library, seven years apart. The similarities and differences in their experiences are discussed. (CLB)

Identifies and discusses seven critical issues in the implementation and maintenance of a library automation staff training program: timing, a modular learning approach, training location, trainers, documentation, lesson reinforcement, and continuity. An appendix describes some of the options available for computer assisted training programs.…

Presents a description and an evaluation of a formal training program for new catalogers that uses class sessions and a training manual in addition to actual cataloging experience. Appendices provide samples of training materials and the training schedule. (Author/CLB)

This guide outlines the procedures for using INNOVACQ at the Adelphi University Swirlbul Library to process and check in government documents and to create and change records. All INNOVACQ procedures are described in detail, and step-by-step instructions are provided for selected routines. A list of Long Island government depository libraries and…

This training manual teaches library personnel how to use ALIS (the Automated Library Information System) at Kansas State University. The exercises use a program called TEST, which is completely separate from the actual system. The exercises, which are designed to imitate real-life situations, combine learning the ALIS operations with learning the…

Describes the situations encountered in an academic library when hiring and training hearing impaired individuals as technicians in the library's cataloging department, as well as the support systems and training modifications used for these employees. (CLB)

Discusses several factors that may improve staff training on integrated library systems, including the application of andragogic learning theory, using effective on-the-job training techniques, the selection of trainers based on competencies, and visible administrative support during all phases of the staff training project. (37 references)…