SC Orientation and Training Team

Minutes:

November 9, 2005,  

Present: Tom Connors, Kevin Hammett, Janna Robinson, Eiko Sakaguchi

ORIENTATION TOUR OF NONPRINT

Lauren Brown has indicated that he would like for SCOT to organize an orientation tour of Nonprint media space. This tour should be more detailed and lengthy than the overview provided in the prototype training tour. Eiko suggested that we invite questions from interested staff in order to address their needs in planning the tour. In discussing how this tour should differ from the previous tour, Kevin hoped to clarify the difference between orientation and training. After a mild digression, it was decided that another full orientation for new staff should be scheduled for January. Tom will discuss a date to conduct a Nonprint tour at some point in December for Special Collections staff. It was decided that the tour should be held in the morning, if possible, or split into two groups depending on the response.

STAFF EDUCATION COORDINATION TEAM (SECT) INVITATION

Maggie Saponaro of SECT extended an invitation for a member of SCOT to sit in with their team, as well. Kevin suggested that this opportunity would allow SCOT to tap into the happenings of other training groups in the library and help SCOT coordinate with other training groups in the library.

Kevin offered to attend the meeting, and Eiko interjected that she would like to attend. Eiko will attend the next meeting on December 13, 2005 from 1:00-2:00 p.m. After this meeting, SCOT may choose to rotate who attends the SECT meeting among the team members.

TEAM LEADER

Eiko approached the idea of choosing a team leader to foster more effective communication and organization among SCOT members. Eiko asked if Kevin would be willing to accept the position and Kevin accepted with Tom's approval. Thanks, Kevin!

LEVELS OF ORIENTATION

How do orientation and training differ?  For Hornbake staff, training would entail a more thorough introduction to the building and procedures, such as the location of the loading dock and facilities management. Orientation, on the other hand, is more general and introductory. Eiko added that orientation should include familiarization with other special collections staff. The team briefly discussed how new staff might come to know others better: a luncheon once semester; holiday parties hosted by different divisions; happy hour; sports team. Though the team is not currently prepared to act on these initiatives, the suggestions are good to keep in mind for a later date.

FORMALIZING ORIENTATION: SUBCOMMITTEES

Kevin suggested that the team break up into smaller groups in order to develop plans for orientation and training that are more detailed and formalized. Different teams would generate discussion of an approach and allow for specialization and division of labor.

Kevin also suggested that the team draft a document distinguishing the team's goals and responsibilities, an official team statement on orientation. The statement should include such items as the team's definition of orientation; plans and details of orientation; contact information should for library staff to request an orientation. Kevin will draft a statement and send it to the team for input and revision.

FINAL DECISIONS

Nonprint tour will be held in December for Special Collections staff.

An orientation tour of Hornbake will be arranged for January or February.

The next meeting will be held on December 14.

Time: 2:00-3:30

Facilitator: Janna Robinson

Notetaker: Eiko Sakaguchi

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