Academic libraries : versatility in the deployment of staff

Abstract

In this essay the candidate has made a study of how to instil in the library staff a sense of pride in their duties and place of work, thereby creating a favourable environment and enhanced team effort with the resulting mutual benefit to themselves in particular and to the library in general. This could be achieved through the management providing the means of training its staff in the various aspects of library work The main thrust of this study concerns 'Job Rotation', but in order to put this theme in its proper perspective, chapters on the following related aspects namely: 'Staff Development', 'Flexible Working Hours' and 'Permanent Part-time Work' have been included. The process of job rotation is defined as job enrichment or enlargement which gives the person greater understanding and experience of the work of other departments. Furthermore it benefits the library by increasing flexibility in its staff and reducing differences in occupational status. It is basically versatility of job structures based on the notion of mobility of staff and change of jobs or tasks within a given area of related work responsibilities. Concomitant and correlated aspect of staff movement include alternative schedules of work notably the employment of permanent part-time staff and the application of flexible working hours. Both of these schemes imply and include job mobility, diversification of duties and versatility in the assignment of tasks. After an evaluation of these aspects involving mobility and versatility the candidate has presented an appraisal and reassessment together with a suggested "Staff Job Rotation Scheme" which could possibly prove useful to a library that may be interested in the implementation of the scheme.