Training the flexible library and information workforce: problems and practical solutions

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Goulding, Anne | Kerslake, Evelyn

Affiliations: Department of Information and Library Studies, Loughborough University, Loughborough, Leics, LE11 3TU, UK

Abstract: Discusses the results of a British Library funded project investigating the training needs and opportunities of flexible workers in UK library and information services. Explains that part-time and temporary workers now represent around 40% of the information workforce, and that managers need to attend to their training requirements, both to maintain a quality service and to ensure compliance with discrimination legislation. Summarises the various barriers that flexible workers face in participating in training and development activities, and outlines steps that managers can adopt to ensure that all employees have equal access to training opportunities. Concludes that legal and quality issues demand that information and library managers develop an understanding of flexible worker demands and requirements.

DOI: 10.3233/ISU-1997-17406

Journal: Information Services & Use, vol. 17, no. 4, pp. 261-272, 1997