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Information Technology Competency Series

The ongoing development of electronic competencies of Smathers Libraries staff is a high priority. Learning technology skills and acquiring knowledge in appropriate areas is vital in keeping library staff informed and effective in performing job tasks. The Staff Development Committee has defined three levels of information technology competencies.

Level 1: Library expectations for job performance requires that all staff be uniformly trained within the first six months of employment. Supervisors, therefore, can expect that staff will demonstrate competence in the basics, as defined at this level (see below). Training in the basics, such as workshops on file handling, email and the electronic calendar, are offered each semester. Supervisors should encourage all new staff to attend these sessions.

Level 2: The second level of competency is based on job function. It is defined in individual position descriptions, annual assignments and discussed with the supervisor. Examples of these competencies are described under Level 2 below. Training opportunities, whether offered online, in house, or campus wide, provide staff with the knowledge and skills to carry out assignments effectively and gain working level competence. Percentage of time to take advantage of these opportunities should be written into annual assignments and negotiated with supervisors.

Level 3: the third level of competency goes beyond a mastery of one's job to acquiring expertise, sharing expert knowledge and participating in teaching others.

Level I: Basic Electronic Competencies.

All staff should demonstrate competence on this level within the first six months of employment. Supervisors will assess whether or not competency is reached.

    1.1 General awareness of computer systems and applications used throughout the libraries to perform staff functions   as well as services to library users.
    1.2 Basic Windows functionality, such as formatting disks, back-up, and word processing basics, ability to print documents.
    1.3 Familiarity with the Library Website, including the Library Staff Toolbox.
    1.4 Ability to use Outlook, including Calendar, Email and public folders. Virus awareness is essential.
    1.5 Ability to search SUS Libraries holdings by author, title, keyword, subject and call number; ability to interpret holdings screen. This includes Web Luis.
    1.6 Internet basics: what it is, basic navigation. Ability to use web browser. Familiarity with net search tools, such as Yahoo and Alta Vista, to retrieve information from remote sites.
    1.7 Demostrate responsible use of equipment and software. Familiarity with the University of Florida's Policy on Software Copyright.
Note: Level 1 competencies  workshops are now offered quarterly, as part of new staff orientation. All staff are welcome to participate in these workshops.

Level II: Electronic Competencies by Function.

Staff are expected to acquire electronic competencies required to successfully meet performance objectives as related to the position description. Supervisors are responsible for ongoing evaluation of such specific electronic competencies to be addressed in the annual performance evaluation.

2.1 Demonstrate working knowledge to effectively utilize the tech-mode and/or public mode of LUIS, OCLC, RLIN and other systems as identified. Ability to navigate databases.
2.2 Workstation skill: use of software applications, as required in annual assignment (i.e. Excel, Word, desktop publishing, etc.)
2.3. Familiarity with basic commands of listservs
2.4 Familiarity with file transfer protocols, such as telnet and FTP
2.5 Ability to design web pages
2.6 Working knowledge of commercial databases, as required.

Level III: Electronic Expertise

As appropriate to each assignment, staff may be expected to perform at an expert level in one or more level 2 competency, i.e. serving as a resource for the staff and providing training and/or assistance. This commitment to training should be considered during the annual performance evaluation process.

3.1 Demonstrate expertise in Level 2 competencies, i.e. using the tech mode of LUIS, OCLC, RLIN, Front Page, Excel, Calendar and other systems as identified.
3.2 Ability to teach commercial databases, such as lexus nexus
3.3 Serve as a Systems Liaison (note: liaison responsibilities are listed on the Systems webpage at http://web.uflib.ufl.edu/libsys/mmm/trainingdocs.html