Staff Professional Development

Featured: Professional Development Resources for Remote Library Workers

In response to a global public health crisis, many libraries have had to transition their staff to working remotely. In order to continue to support the professional development goals of these remote workers, the Professional Development Committee has compiled a list of no cost webinars and online courses on a variety of academic library topics.

Adaptability

Anticipates and adapts to change and challenges effectively. Demonstrates flexibility and a willingness to learn new skills. Embraces and adapts to change with curiosity and enthusiasm.

Communication

Ability, through both verbal and written methods, to provide concise, timely, professional, and accurate information, internally and externally.

Critical Thinking

Ability to define a problem, assess the accuracy and importance of evidence, and make reasoned and accurate judgements.

Customer Service

Provides professional, helpful and efficient service to library users. Ability to create library experiences that are high quality, consistent, and robust regardless of users’ location, access methods, or objectives.

Emotional Intelligence

Ability to monitor one's own and other people's emotions, to discriminate between different emotions and label them appropriately, and to use emotional information to guide thinking and behavior.

Innovation

Ability to think creatively and innovatively about new ways to serve users. Fosters a culture that’s friendly to risk-taking and failure.  

Knowledge of Library Services & Resources

Ability to identify and help others find and use the library’s services and resources - both physical and digital. 

Leadership

Ability to set and model high-performance standards characterized by integrity, and to earn trust and respect of others by coaching, inspiring, motivating, mentoring, delegating, and empowering teams of people. 

Organizational Awareness

Knowledge of the culture and structure of UTSA and the UTSA Libraries, and commitment to supporting their missions. Understands and supports the library’s role in providing access to information. 

Personal Organizational Skills

Ability to identify and prioritize work needs, practice sound time management, and work productively to fulfill the needs of library users, staff, and the university.

Teamwork

Works constructively and collaboratively with others to achieve the team’s and organization’s goals and objectives. Contributes to a problem-solving environment and works toward mutually acceptable solutions.

Technological Literacy

Basic computer skills and an ability to identify technological issues. Knowledge of internal policies for information security and assurance. Basic understanding of the technology, software, and terminology used in the libraries. Awareness of changes in the technology landscape and willingness to adapt as necessary.