THE PROS AND PITFALLS OF CROSS-TRAININGAmy Beckham Osborne

University of Kentucky College of Law Library

LOOKING TOWARD CROSS TRAINING

Why cross-train? Where is cross-training being done? Cross-training and Law Libraries Pros Pit-falls

WHY CROSS-TRAIN

Improve productivity Alleviate boredem May be more efficient than brining in new

hires Improve moral Maintain a flexible attitude Breaks down the “us versus them” mentality Counteract short-term/long-term leaves of

absence

WHERE IS CROSS-TRAINING BEING DONE

Private Industry Academia Military

PRIVATE INDUSTRY

Greenpages Dawn Food Products Medical Technology Labs Physician’s Offices

MILITARY

Exemplifies working as a unit Everyone pitches in to get the job done Work together as a unit

MODELS OF MILITARY CROSS TRAINING

Equipment Model Task Model Team Interaction Model Team Model

IMPLEMENTING A CROSS TRAINING PROGRAM – THE DO’S

Who should be cross trained? Identify the skills needed for the position Look at list of employees’ proficiencies Can be formal or informal Make the cross training fair Evaluate the program to ensure continued

effectiveness Make sure program meets the institutional

needs

CROSS-DEPARTMENTAL EXCHANGE

Positional Clarification Positional Sharing Positional Rotation

IMPLEMENTING A CROSS TRAINING PROGRAM – THE DON’TS

Do not cross train just one department Can be done over a long period of time

FROM THE TOP DOWN OR FROM THE BOTTOM UP?

Where should cross training begin? Everyone needs to buy-in and participate

CROSS TRAINING AND LAW LIBRARIES

Circulation Processing - Mail Loose-leaf filing Basic Reference Simple computer tasks

SPECIFIC REFERENCE TASKS TO CONSIDER

Reference interview Vendor interfaces Search techniques Access

INFORMAL SURVEY

20 Libraries contacted – 16 responded

“All of our librarian, despite their responsibilities must sit at least one shift at the reference desk. It is important that everyone understandsthat everything we do affects how we help our patrons”

Anonymous Library Director

INFORMAL STUDY

PROS

Less down time Familiarity Environment of collaboration – team

approach Environment of upward mobility Reduce workload in overworked areas Boost morale Increases job knowledge

PIT-FALLS

Lack of time Money – especially in private law libraries

and businesses Morale could fall

CAN CROSS TRAINING BENEFIT YOUR LIBRARY?