Core Competencies: What, Why and How

Beth Duttlinger, Consultant

Definition

Core competencies identify the knowledge & skills needed by library employees to provide superior services. Can be broad to identify key aspects Can be more specific to positions

Broad

http://www.olc.org/CoreCompetencies.asp

Specific

Core Competencies April 2009

What's the big deal?

Orientation Continuing Ed Job Descriptions Recruitment Interviewing Performance Evaluations

Orientation

Standardize Checklist

CE

Periodic review Staff input

http://corecompetencies.wikispaces.com/

Job description

Identify tasks necessary Abilities needed

Recruitment

Write ads Define and articulate skill sets for

search team

Interviewing

Can assist hiring supervisors and search committees to determine which candidates meet or show potential to develop a particular competency.

Question examples

General-Customer Service

As a library assistant, how do you ensure that you are providing good service?

Computer/Technology

Describe a time you solved a problem using technology.

Information Literacy/ReferenceGive an example of a time you weren’t sure what a patron wanted. How did you handle the situation?

Integrated Library System

Have you ever had to orient another employee on the library’s circulation system? How did you do it or how would you go about doing it?

Evaluations

Document special achievements Set realistic goals Improve performance

How to adapt1. Develop an understanding of core

competencies.2. Review the mission/goals & strategic plan.3. Develop a list of potential core

competencies.4. Identify relationships and cluster related

skills together.5. Incorporate into corporate culture.6. Review periodically and consider options

for improvement.

Resources

delicious.com/thelibrarian Ohio Public Library Core

Competencies WebJunction - IL Course Catalog

for Core Competencies WebJunction - Library Staff

Competency Collection technologytrainingwheels.pbwor

ks.com / 23 Things and Core Competencies

PLCMC core competencies wiki

What questions do you have?