Competency‐based service reviews and workforce planning at Deakin University library

Abstract

Purpose

This paper seeks to describe an approach to staff development and workforce planning which is implemented as part of a process of internal reviews of service areas within an academic library.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper describes the factors leading to the development of such a process within the Deakin University Library.

Findings

A number of different factors – internal to the library, at the university level and in the wider environment – have driven the need for such reviews and influenced their design. The approach developed focuses on comparing current workforce capabilities (competencies and resource levels) with the set of competencies and resources required to deliver the projected services to the standards required. This account highlights the links between the review process and the implementation of a library‐wide staff development framework.

Practical implications

A number of practical implications may be drawn: the value of a flexible approach taking into account the local and institutional environment; the critical importance of organizational needs driving individual staff development and the benefits of mapping links from strategic goals to staff development.

Originality/value

The paper focuses on an emerging process for service delivery in an academic library.

Citation

Cardwell, P. (2009), "Competency‐based service reviews and workforce planning at Deakin University library", Library Management, Vol. 30 No. 8/9, pp. 539-548. https://doi.org/10.1108/01435120911006502