This tip sheet has been developed to assist libraries with the Minimum Standards for Rhode Island Public Libraries.

Standard 17: The library provides an orientation for new employees, including a review of the personnel policies and procedures manual.

Consider:

• Who will conduct the orientation?
  This could vary according to the staff position and could involve more than one staff person for various aspects of the orientation.
• When will the orientation take place?
  It can be overwhelming to be introduced to too much information all at once, so consider breaking the orientation into smaller doses over a period of time.
• What will be covered in the orientation?
  Possible topics include:
  • Introduction to staff and possibly board
  • Tour of facility
  • Library mission and objectives of current long-range plan
  • Personnel policies and procedures manual
  • Union contract
  • Customer service philosophy of library
  • Confidentiality of library records and user information
  • Minimum Standards for Rhode Island Public Libraries
  • Routines for opening and closing
  • Training and operation of essential equipment including computers
  • OSL procedures
  • LORI web site
  • OLIS Professional Collection

Resources

Hiring Library Employees: A How-To-Do-It Manual by Richard E. Rubin, pages 108 - 111 and 193 - This manual has a checklist that deals mainly with conditions of employment.

http://www.olc.org/orientation: The Ohio Library Council's online tutorial for new support staff includes activities and quizzes presented in a fun but meaningful tone. This site would be particularly appropriate for circulation desk staff and library assistants in children's or reference departments.