Staff Training

Re: Staff Training

2007-05-04T20:44:32Z

I will check out techatlas and suggestions on WJ.

I would love an actual test and say you must score at least XXX. But human resourses would probably not allow that. I will try the compentency approach allowing staff to say yes I can do this. I think I will come up with a list type thing using alot of the information from the compentency thing on WJ.
Giving them a list of what is expected is much better than asking "can you use a computer".
Now there is one statement in the interview that asked if you can use a computer. If we handed them the list of what is expect first and indicated this is what we mean by "can you use a computer". It could have something on it where they can check off what they can/cannot do.

Another idea I had was using some of the multiple choice questions from free online test to come up with a written test. Use some of the most common questions to see if they can answer it.

A NC school system has an online test that is okay.
http://www.catawba.k12.nc.us/Pages/sites/edwebsites/computerskills/index.htm

A few colleges have online test that are pretty simple. They may be able to screen out the very worst.
http://www.cod.edu/Online/techskllr4.htm

The same person just asked me how to turn off the computer. She needed someone to show her to to logoff because she was just hitting the power button with applications still open. She did not know how to close them, so she had a weeks worth of applications open on the desktop.

At times I think I expect too much
thanks
-jackie

Thanks for the help.

Re: Staff Training

2007-05-04T19:21:05Z

Do you want the assessment to actually test their skills? Basically, they would have to complete the tasks correctly?

Or do you just want an assessment that asks them if they think they could complete the tasks or has them self-report their level of comfort with certain tasks?

If you want the latter, then the WJ assessments or basically any type of survey that you created on Zoomerang / SurveyMonkey, etc. would work.

If you want the former, then generally, I think you are going to be looking at some dollars to do that type of testing. But there are vendors that do that sort of test, it would just require some additional reserach.

Re: Staff Training

2007-05-04T17:41:48Z

Yes, I've had this experience too! I know I shouldn't so surprised each time, but I always am :-(

There are some resources on WJ that may help you identify the competencies you expect from new hires. There is a great new resource, [url /do/DisplayContent?id=15575] Technology Competencies for Public Access Computing[/url] and then other list of [url /do/DisplayContent?id=1066] Resources for Evaluating Staff Competencies[/url] from around the country. And finally, I know that [url /do/Navigation?category=13408] TechAtlas[/url] has a tool for staff skills assessment. Here is a link to a presentation on [url /do/DisplayContent?id=13938] Using the TechAtlas Staff Skills Survey[/url] that I hope helps!

Re: Staff Training

2007-05-04T17:06:01Z

From a fast look at their website it may be too much. I need something for people to take at a job interview to find out if they are computer literate. We have a new employee who works 1/2 day in outreach nd 1/2 at circa. Everyone thinks she is wonderful and loves her, I was told by several staff members she was "good with computers". Last week I was under a computer when she walks in and asks if I could help a patron at the circa desk. I ask her with what they needed and she said attaching a document to email. I asker why she could not help them and she said "I need more training." I hoped she was just nervous. The next day she asked where to find some information and I gave her a URL, she went into Google and did a search for the URL. Now I realize she is not very computer literate. I am not saying she is not trainable but I would like new employees to be at a higher skill level.
I would like to have a way to screen for this problem. ;-)
Also we have some long time staff that constantly does not help patrons with computer issues. I need to have something to say you must be able to do blah blah blah and assess that they know how. We offer classes and money to go to classes but they do not go. I would like to give them a test and say if you do not pass it you will have to take a class.
Okay - it is Friday and I have a headache so I went on and on. Thanks for letting me vent.
-jackie

Re: Staff Training

2007-05-04T14:06:22Z

There are such tests but I have not been able to find any vendors for them besides this one - http://www.ikmnet.com/products/assessment_samples.cfm - this takes you through one of their assessments. Their assessments cover really technicalareas, such as Java programming, but I assume they also would have one for basic comptuer skills that might be useful toy ou.

Is this the sort of thing that you are looking for? My guess is that their service is probably expensive.

Re: Staff Training

2007-05-03T20:32:54Z

I would like to find a competency test online. I would like to find out where the current staff are and possibly test incoming staff. I do not believe I am expecting too much. I believe all staff members should be able to help patrons with basic skills such as bold/print/save/email etc. I am not asking them to create a database but possibly point someone to the help function.
Is there a test out there for me?
-jackie

Re: Staff Training

2006-03-30T19:45:40Z

Each staff member's proficiency is as diverse as the patrons'. Staff need to be trained on basic computer usage and troubleshooting first, then on various software packages, such as Microsoft Office, that patrons may need assistance with. If everyone can have the same basic training at the same time, then the trainer knows that everyone heard the same instructions. Especially in a small library, all staff members need to be able to help the patrons--they expect it of us.

Re: Staff Training

2005-11-10T19:33:28Z

Sometimes the local community itself can be a great source of training. Some folks have mentioned how they bring in legal and medical professionals from the community to help staff become familiar with the sorts of resources and services that are available. It can also be a great way to build partnerships with others who serve your community.

Staff Training

2005-11-10T02:59:23Z

What is it that you - as a library staff member - want to be trained in? What would make your life easier? What would make your job more interesting or fun? I know that there are lots of great ideas out there and there is no reason to re-invent the wheel... Let's use this thread to talk about what you want and what you need and see if we can find some great resources...