Outreach Services
Competency Definition Skills and Behavior Possible Training Units
Core Competencies for These are found at :
Library Staff www.olc.org/CoreCompetencies.asp
-and-
Core Technology
Competencies for
Library Staff
Collection Management Ability to determine customer needs, Ability to choose between various Marketing
Books materials to meet those needs, sources new sources or technologies for wise Demographics
AV of purchasing or renting those materials. money management Materials selection of AV,
Technology Knowledge of analysis and weeding technology, and realia.
Realia procedures Weeding the collection
Selection and de- Ability to market materials for Reader’s Advisory various literature
selection customer convenience classes based on customer description
Knowledge of materials which i.e. children’s, Judiaca, etc.
effectively meets those needs
Ability to identify customer
requests, needs, and interests both
currently and in the future
OLC Core Competencies: http://www.olc.org/CoreCompetencies.asp Revised: 1/2008
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Outreach Services
Competency Definition Skills and Behavior Possible Training Units
Driving The ability to drive Outreach vehicles Knowledge of Outreach vehicles Preventive maintenance
Bookmobiles: various safely, schedules preventive including parking systems, HVAC Defensive Driving
lengths heights, and maintenance, and knowledge of the systems, steering limitations, and
components service area. maintenance
Vans Ability to determine the accessibility
Safe and of potential service sites
knowledgeable driver Good judgment regarding driving
hazards e.g., weather, parking
restrictions, etc.
Ability to perform daily preventive
maintenance checks
Ability to drive safely while
maintaining a “clean” driving record
Physical Requirements Capacity to move materials to serve Driving: Bookmobile, hand truck, Proper Lifting Techniques
Driving customers in a mobile atmosphere. van Importance/Use of Back Braces
Lifting Lifting: 10 lbs. continually, 25 lbs OSHA Training, such as Ergonomics
Movement frequently, 30 lbs periodically Also see: Driving
Extreme temperatures Frequent standing, sitting, stooping,
bending, and walking
Regularly reaching horizontally and
vertically
Stamina to work in extreme heat and
cold
OLC Core Competencies: http://www.olc.org/CoreCompetencies.asp Revised: 1/2008
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Outreach Services
Competency Definition Skills and Behavior Possible Training Units
Planning and The ability to identify work needs Balances long and short-term Articulating vision, mission, values,
Organizational Skills personally, departmentally, and system- planning and standards
wide for maximum customer service; Effectively uses project management Marketing
Prioritizing ability to determine importance of each techniques to plan and implement Project management
Networking task; knowledge to implement or learn new programs and services Time management
Marketing job duties. (committee assignments)
Demographics Strong community awareness allows
Multitasking for accurate assessment of customer
Flexibility need (community analysis)
Emphasizes the importance of and
demonstrates logical, systematic
approaches to the accomplishment of
tasks
Takes action to minimize unnecessary
error or risk; identifies alternatives
and makes contingency plans
Prepared to alter plans and schedules
quickly when vehicles are out of
service
Maximize service in spite of set-backs
Effectively manages time and
priorities
OLC Core Competencies: http://www.olc.org/CoreCompetencies.asp Revised: 1/2008
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Outreach Services
Competency Definition Skills and Behavior Possible Training Units
Programming The ability to skillfully design, Ability to develop various elements Early childhood development
construct, and present library related into a cohesive whole, which is Storytelling
Awareness of evolving programs for special needs populations appropriate to the audience to inspire children’s/juvenile/teen/adult
trends and/or various ages; ability to present in a love for reading and library use literature
Program design non-library settings and in a mobile Ability to compare and determine Library service to diverse groups
Storytelling aide environment. strengths and weaknesses in literature Presentation skills
creation Storytelling skills
Use of multimedia Artistic or possessing the ability to
Presentation skills communicate one’s needs to an artist
Communication with Interest in juveniles, juvenile books,
children, teens, and and juvenile service; teens, teen
adults with an books, and teen services; seniors,
emphasis on people adult books, those with disabilities,
with special needs and senior services; members of the
diverse library community
Knowledge of books and other library
materials and formats
Reader’s Advisory The ability to connect customers with Creates bibliographies, book-talks, Reader’s Advisory
resources that encourage reading. The displays, electronic documents, and Creating booklists and pathfinders
knowledge of popular materials and the other special tools to increase access Best of …
ability to share that knowledge with all to library resources and promote Children’s Lit.
customers. their use Back to the Book
Keeps up-to-date on what is current
and popular with customers
Effectively uses online and print
reader’s advisory resources
Elicits information from the reader
and bases recommendations on
reader’s interests and desires
Matches customers with materials
appropriate to their interest and
abilities
OLC Core Competencies: http://www.olc.org/CoreCompetencies.asp Revised: 1/2008
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Outreach Services
Competency Definition Skills and Behavior Possible Training Units
Reference The understanding of the importance of Direct involvement in selection and Reference skills including
determining customer needs, de-selection of materials interviewing and resource training
In person researching and locating answers in a Knowledge of, and familiarity with, Collection development
On the phone timely manner, while providing accurate sources of information including, but Internet
Online information; ability to use various not limited to the library catalog, E-mail i.e., GroupWise, Outlook
technologies and informational Internet, reference collections
databases. Ability to interview customers to
determine need; providing
consistently accurate answers to
inquiries
Strong communication skills
Supervision Oversee staff, vehicles, scheduling, and Input into policy and procedures Hiring, training, and evaluating
workflow. Input into performance standards Effective supervision
Planning and execution Assist in evaluating and re-tooling of Department procedures and standards
Evaluative feedback programs and services including timecards and scheduling
Training and follow-up Increasing and maintaining Vehicle maintenance specialties per
Interviewing skills knowledge of profession person
Ability to make quick decisions even
with incomplete information and tight
deadlines
Ability to define and analyze
problems
Attendance and participation in
professional organizations
Knowledge of system and department
procedures and standards
Knowledge of the extent of his/her
authority
OLC Core Competencies: http://www.olc.org/CoreCompetencies.asp Revised: 1/2008
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