[Original posting on this topic is reproduced below; the response follows it.]
From: Kim Hale <khale_at_popmail.colum.edu>
One of our support staff members has indicated a strong interest in
selecting materials for the collection. As he has applied to library
school, we are giving him the opportunity to participate as a "Library
Liaison Intern" working with one of our librarians who will serve as a
mentor.
My colleague and I will be drafting a "job description" of sorts,
outlining his responsibilities. We think this is a good way to reward a
current staff member, use his knowledge and interest in his subject area
(music), and prepare him for work in the library profession.
My question is: has any library done something similar? This is new for
us, and I'm interested whether other institutions have experience in
this, and suggestions in general from the membership.
Many thanks, and I look forward to your comments.
(1) "Maddox, Leigh A" <lamaddox_at_kpmg.com>
When I worked for Anchorage Municipal Libraries, I was part of a two-person
staff at a new branch library. The librarian at the time allowed me, a
library assistant, to assist with the selection of the McNaughton
titlesthough it was not part of my job description. Having since taken
Collection Development as part of my MLIS, I feel it extremely valuable to
have as much input from various staff members as feasible. Just because
somebody is not a professional librarian does not mean they are not
extremely knowledgeable in a particular subject area....how many librarians
are experts in geographical matters, for instance? Or animal husbandry? Any
professional who does not utilize the individual talents of their staff
members could be overlooking a potential goldmine of knowledge they
themselves do not posess.
Leigh Maddox
Library Coordinator
KPMG LLP - Dallas
214-840-2778 (ph)
214-840-2051 (fx)
Received on Thu May 16 2002 - 10:29:27 EDT