Training skills for library staff /

Moran revised and updated this book on training library trainers. Originally written in 2000 by Allen, who is a senior lecturer in student learning and management learning at Hull University Business School in the UK, the work provides new ideas, tools, and techniques on training in the field of information and library services. It includes ideas on how we learn and how to motivate and stimulate learners. Moran turns theory into practice by identifying a wide assortment of training activities and offering numerous examples of best practices. Chapters cover Key Skills for Trainers, Linking Training with the Needs of the Library, Running Learning Groups, and Evaluating Training Sessions. A third section covers continuing professional development for library trainers. Appendixes list training resources, organizations, and references. New and experienced trainers will find inspiration here. -- RBB Copyright 2003 Booklist

Allan, a senior lecturer in student learning and management at the Hull University Business School and author of E-Learning and Teaching in Library and Information Services, has targeted this bookAfirst published in Britain in 2000 and now revised and updated by Moran (Management of Libraries and Information Agencies) for American readersAat librarians who conduct training sessions. Since each person learns differently, Allan begins with a discussion of the four learning styles (activist, reflector, theorist, pragmatist). This same learning method is then used by individuals in teaching. In order to avoid using one method, she advises trainers to do a self-assessment of their own styles and incorporate the additional three styles in training sessions. As trainers are responsible for planning, designing, delivering, and assessing training programs, Allan thoroughly discusses (along with practical examples) the key skills (coaching, facilitating, questioning, etc.) and training techniques (audiovisual aids, brainstorming, case studies, role playing, etc.) they will need for success. She also covers linking training with the needs of the library, preparing the learning environment (as important as the training itself), running learning groups, evaluating training programs, and continuing education. The appendix includes sample training resources, organizations, and a comprehensive bibliography. Even though most of the titles listed are British publications, almost all of them are available in the United States. Reading this book is equivalent to taking a 16-week course, providing the minute details that create top-notch trainers, and it is one of the first to gather all of these topics together. Useful to anyone who trains or teaches librarians and staff, this is highly recommended.AMarie Bruni, Huntington Memorial Lib., Oneonta, NY (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.