Onboarding and Training New Staff in Technical Services

Event Description

Technical services departments may be the most heterogeneous units in libraries. Ever-changing standards, a multiplicity of tools, and potentially high turnover rates from student workers make the task of training and developing staff skills particularly challenging. Luckily, libraries can adopt certain tools to help them navigate these turbulent waters. This trio of experts will show you how to ensure solid training, develop a learning mindset, and navigate the challenges inherent in the technical services field.

Stephanie Anderson is Assistant Director, Selection, at BookOps, managing the team that selects and orders all circulating collections for the 150 physical locations and two digital collections of the New York Public Library and Brooklyn Public Library. She previously worked at Darien Library (CT), after beginning her career in independent bookselling. She is a founding member of LibraryReads, reviews for Kirkus, and is currently researching the history of collection development and readers’ advisory in New York City.

Marlee Dorn Givens is the Instruction Manager for Academic Engagement at the Georgia Tech Library. Her responsibilities include developing, implementing, and managing instructional programs, ensuring consistency in instructional practices, monitoring the effectiveness of instruction services, and making data-driven recommendations for improvements in collaboration with the Head of Academic Engagement. Along with Sofia Slutskaya, she co-edited Transforming Technical Services Through Training and Development for ALA Core. She has an MLS from the University of Maryland, an MA from the University of Georgia, and a BA from Washington University in St. Louis. 

Sofia Slutskaya is the Head of Resource Description at Emory University Woodruff Library. She has held a variety of positions in both public and technical services, including library director at the American Intercontinental University and Metadata Strategist at Georgia Tech Library. Her research interests include staff training, cataloging print and electronic materials, e-resource management, and e-book acquisitions. Along with Marlee Givens Sofia co-edits the “Pathways to the Profession” column for Serials Review. She also teaches Fundamentals of Cataloging for ALA Core.