Project Aims

 

The LIBRARY NETWORK SUPPORT SERVICES (LNSS) Regional Network for Staff Development is a SIF-funded project and is being run by the Staff Development Unit of the University of Limerick Library as part of the overall LNSS project led by Limerick Institute of Technology Library. 

Targeted training is being provided for library staff in the Shannon Consortium, which includes Limerick Institute of Technology, Mary Immaculate College, Institute of Technology Tralee and the University of Limerick.
The scope of the training includes reflective practice, information literacy training, new technologies and digital collections and customer service.  These themes have been identified by the partner libraries in order to support staff to deliver services in an evolving information environment.

 

Training needs audit
 An electronic survey has been carried out with the purpose of establishing the training needs of staff within the range of topics identified by the Steering Group. It has also provided data on the number of staff in each institution who require training in the topics identified. 

Training Events
One of the aims of the project is to select, develop, implement and evaluate a programme of training events for library staff in participating institutions.  The programme covers a wide range of topics and will be run in both Limerick and Tralee in order to encourage networking among staff in the partner libraries.  Events will be advertised to local contacts in each institution and on this website and will be open to all, but are subject to local timetabling and staff availability, as well as available places.

Exchange visits
Exchange visits will be organised during 2009 between the Shannon Consortium partner libraries focusing on a variety of topics.  A core objective of this activity, and the project in general, is to provide an opportunity for networking between the participating members.

Reflective practice and self-directed learning
Continuing professional development is a well established approach to ensuring that staff have the right skills to work effectively and enhance their job-satisfaction.   As change is continuous and skills require constant upgrading, a lifelong learning approach is vital.
Staff will be encouraged to understand their individual learning styles, to reflect on their own development needs, take responsibility for their learning goals and establish strategies to meet these learning goals.  Specific training in these areas aims to meet one of the project’s key aims of sustainability.