WebJunction

It is clear that cross-training of staff will not work for every library, but it has some intriguing possibilities.

Solutions: Cross-training
Christi says, "I'm a BIG fan of cross-training. It cuts down on isolation."
Nichol_Lusk says, "cross training for us has had the biggest issues with consistency, one
person trains differently than others"
Robin_Hastings says, "We just started offering a small salary bump for staff that are
willing to learn to work in another departent"
GA_pat says, "there's a wiki on the CLENE website. That might be a good place to start
such a list."
Paula_Seeger says, "Sometimes mgmt sees cross-training as duplication of efforts."
wj_jenpeter says, "http://www.webjunction.org/learninggroup"
Susan says, "union = cross training no-no"
wj_jenpeter says, "Bring your ideas to WJ!"
Susan_Gempka says, "I cross trained 8 non public service clerks to work in Circulation,
covering vacations, meetings, etc. They get a break from their desks, can spend time with
the public and are learning more each time they work in Circulation"
shon_barnes says, "We also try to find themes for our in-service day."
Kelli_Staley says, "it helped our staff really see what the other people do all day"
Christi says, "But, paula, it opens up communication between depts. "
martha_hendricks says, "Our tech services department is the backup for circulation"
wj_EmilyI tells you, "see susan's comment about union"
jeanne_hubbard says, "we suspended ILL"
Shannon_Halikias says, "I'm a union evironment and the job segmentation issue is a
biggie"
Christi is clapping
Sharon_STBB says, "We cross-train out of necessity."
Paula_Seeger says, "you don't have to sell me. "
Nancy_Smith says, "That makes a lot of sense, Linda."
Gerie says, "we're creating a camtasia video on how to fill out our new online ILL form"
Gerie says, "for our staff/librarians"
Shannon_Halikias says, "I'm encouraging teamwork, and that this is growth and a chance
to flourish"
GA_pat says, "our public service staff (Adult, Teen and Children) might be assigned to
any one of those departments during their shift. This library had 100% roving reference.
Staff HAD to be cross-trained."
Sarah says, "All our ILL is done by library assistants who also work ref/childrens/adult
desks. They are developing great all round knowledge and variety of work."
shelley says, "We are starting a cross-training program - having staff mentor each other,
one-on-one."
Kelli_Staley says, "our only issue is that despite the number cross-trained, its the same 3
people who fill in when needed"
wj_EmilyI says, "obstacles to cross-training?"
Christi says, "You would think it would cut down on inconsistencies."
Robin_Hastings says, "@Gerie - I've used Jing to do screencasts that I make available on
the staff wiki. That seems to be appreciated by my staff"
wj_jenpeter tells you, "maybe this makes sense to ask Jaine about x-training with public
and staff?"
Shannon_Halikias says, "Cross training involving technology is the biggest hurdle"
shon_barnes says, "We are beginning to do more tutorials on these sorts of things."
Gerie says, "robin: yes, video is excellent for visual learners especially"
Nichol_Lusk says, "technology cross training is very hard"
Phyllis_Smith says, "we have issues with individual log ons and permissions granted for
responsibilities"
Nichol_Lusk says, "everyone has different skill levels"
Kris says, "does anyone do training and then post on YouTube?"
shelley says, "an issue is maintaining the skills if cross-trained staff don''t work in other
areas frequently."
shon_barnes says, "We can do much better than what we've done in the past. It's a
challenge but I'm to it!"
wj_EmilyI says, "the cross-training thread would be good to continue in the Learning
Group on WebJunction."
Gerie says, "kris: no, but i want to"
Shannon_Halikias says, "Can I add "not yet" to my submitted response to the poll! I'm
here to change that. "