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Article
Publication date: 1 June 1987

Adrian R. Haas

This article seeks to review the provision of vocational education available to para‐professional‐level engineering personnel in Australia. This stratum of personnel corresponds…

Abstract

This article seeks to review the provision of vocational education available to para‐professional‐level engineering personnel in Australia. This stratum of personnel corresponds to those described as technician‐engineers in the UK.

Details

Journal of European Industrial Training, vol. 11 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0309-0590

Book part
Publication date: 24 November 2015

Ucha I. Mbofung

This study investigates how university libraries in Nigeria are staffed and presents staff development opportunities and learning activities that sustain staff.

Abstract

Purpose

This study investigates how university libraries in Nigeria are staffed and presents staff development opportunities and learning activities that sustain staff.

Methodology/approach

A survey research design was adopted. Purposive sampling technique was used to select 46 universities and 400 respondents consisting of 46 heads of libraries and 354 professionals from federal, state, and private universities. Content of the instrument was based on literature comprising six questions. The 327 (92.4%) usable responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics and presented in simple frequency tables.

Findings

The study showed that library workforce in Nigerian universities included different categories of professionals and para-professionals having diversified job opportunities and duties. Most libraries had staff development budget and respondents received various forms of assistance to foster learning. Although all nontransferable skills recorded high mean, respondents accorded less importance to nonlibrary personal skills that can be used to leverage the expectations of recruitment, retention, and sustainability.

Research implications

The study was limited to practicing professionals but has staffing implications for all libraries across Nigeria.

Practical implications

Many professionals may lack the appropriate multi-skills that would enhance exploring new approaches and breaking out of traditional ways of operation in the different library and outside library settings.

Originality/value

The study contributes to knowledge about sustaining library staff in relation to adopting the recommended skills on a broad scale, and assessing how their acquisition can change the perception of professionals to its immense contributions to sustaining them in the workforce.

Article
Publication date: 27 February 2009

Portia Bowen‐Chang and Yacoob Hosein

This paper aims to examine the effectiveness of a series of in‐house training offered to cataloguers and para‐professional cataloguing staff at the University of the West Indies…

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Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the effectiveness of a series of in‐house training offered to cataloguers and para‐professional cataloguing staff at the University of the West Indies, St Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago.

Design/methodology/approach

The instrument used for the survey was a questionnaire which sought to evaluate the effectiveness of the training over a two‐year period. Through the application of a five‐point Likert scale respondents were required to indicate their levels of satisfaction or dissatisfaction with the training sessions.

Findings

The paper reveals the relevance and effectiveness of a structured approach to cataloguing training and highlights the need for cataloguing staff to keep abreast of current trends through continuing education. It also demonstrates a dire need for greater collaboration between library schools and libraries in the development of proficiencies for entry level cataloguers.

Research limitations/implications

The collective evaluation of professionals and para‐professionals with varying levels of cataloguing knowledge and competencies impacted on the reliability of the data.

Originality/value

The paper serves as a model for future cataloguing training at the St Augustine Campus Libraries and can be adapted by other libraries for meeting their training needs in cataloguing.

Details

Library Review, vol. 58 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0024-2535

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 15 March 2013

Arif Anwar and Mir Nazmul Islam

Purpose – The intent of this chapter is to examine the lessons that BRAC, a Bangladesh-based NGO, learned over the course of implementing its para-professional teacher model in…

Abstract

Purpose – The intent of this chapter is to examine the lessons that BRAC, a Bangladesh-based NGO, learned over the course of implementing its para-professional teacher model in Afghanistan and Bangladesh, and their implications for UNESCO's Education for All (EFA) initiative.Methodology – The objectives of this chapter are achieved by the analysis of secondary sources such as reports and academic articles.Findings – We find that through a combination of strong oversight and management, BRAC's para-teacher model compensates for its comparatively less formally trained teachers. This may serve as a model for nations implementing EFA initiatives by allowing them to hire more para-teachers as a cost-saving measure.Research limitations – This study is mainly reliant on secondary sources, which highlights the limited information on the quality of BRAC's education efforts in Afghanistan.Practical implications – Through a combination of strong oversight and practical training, BRAC has seemingly developed a robust para-teacher model, one that may be implemented in other contexts, especially in countries that are members of the EFA initiative and face a shortage of qualified teachers who can help achieve Universal Primary Education (UPE).Social implications – In addition to being a cost-saving measure for education, hiring para-teachers from local communities has the additional benefit of providing employment for women in rural communities, which may have a positive impact on women's empowerment.Value – This chapter provides a unique look at innovations in teacher training by NGOs and their implications for the global contexts of the EFA initiative.

Details

Teacher Reforms Around the World: Implementations and Outcomes
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78190-654-5

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 June 1990

Phillip C. Wright

As Europe approaches 1992, there is little evidence thatpara‐professionals are preparing to harmonise certification programmesin readiness for changing trans‐border work patterns…

Abstract

As Europe approaches 1992, there is little evidence that para‐professionals are preparing to harmonise certification programmes in readiness for changing trans‐border work patterns. Using the example of the Canada‐US Free Trade Agreement and its effect on the “service sector”, it is suggested how certification and training for the para‐professions might be effected in Europe, in that different nationalities have been shown to have varying traditions of certification and training.

Details

Journal of European Industrial Training, vol. 14 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0309-0590

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 January 2015

Prabhjeet Kaur and Paramjeet Kaur Walia

The purpose of this paper is to find out about the collection development and management in the public libraries governed by the government or its agencies in Delhi and compare…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to find out about the collection development and management in the public libraries governed by the government or its agencies in Delhi and compare them with the international standards for public libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

In all, Delhi has three chains of public libraries namely Delhi Public Library (DPL), like Hardayal Municipal Public Library (HMPL) and New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) public libraries. The librarian/heads of selected branches were approached with a structured questionnaire aimed at collecting information on the collection development and managements in these libraries and selected branches. The data were then analysed and interpreted.

Findings

It was found that with the advent of ICT and its impact on the society, it is evident that the public libraries are not making the desired effort to reach out to the public and make it more appealing to the users. The main problem with the library remains to be the lack of membership. A few initiatives have been taken, but still there were not many digital services being provided by these public libraries in the present day digital environment.

Research limitations/implications

The study was limited to the public libraries within the physical region of Delhi only.

Practical implications

The evaluation sheds light on the existing scenario of public libraries in Delhi and may contribute in their future development.

Social implications

With the acceptance of the international standards as suggested in the study, the public libraries in Delhi would be better able to provide information resources and services to the masses. The better learned masses make the society more advanced. An information rich society would thus lead to an overall growth and development of the state.

Originality/value

There have been many studies in the past on DPL but none have intended to cover other public libraries chains like HMPL and NDMC public libraries which are governed by the government or its agencies and are established with aim of imparting information to the population of Delhi. Also, a similar the comparison with international standards was never done earlier.

Details

Library Management, vol. 36 no. 1/2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-5124

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 September 1993

Roy Kirk

Describes first a local professional exchange of experienceexperiment for a period of one week. Outlines personal aims and gives asummary of the benefits and problems. Goes on to…

284

Abstract

Describes first a local professional exchange of experience experiment for a period of one week. Outlines personal aims and gives a summary of the benefits and problems. Goes on to describe a non‐professional exchange between assistants at Leicester University School of Education Library and Leicester Polytechnic Scraptoft Campus library (now De Montfort University) which took place over a three‐month period. Outlines successes and failures from the management and the individuals′ point of view. Makes recommendations for the setting up of such a scheme. Concludes with a six‐point summary, sets out the overall value of, and guidelines for, local exchange schemes. Among these are the provision of “real” experience, cost effectiveness, their flexibility, value for all staff and the encouragement of co‐operation between, and knowledge of, local libraries.

Details

Librarian Career Development, vol. 1 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0968-0810

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 December 1985

TONY WARSHAW, JANE LITTLE, EDWIN FLEMING, ALLAN BUNCH and WILFRED ASHWORTH

Continuing education for library and information management Ealing College of Higher Education is using a grant from BLR&DD to examine two main areas: para‐professional education…

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Abstract

Continuing education for library and information management Ealing College of Higher Education is using a grant from BLR&DD to examine two main areas: para‐professional education and the coordination of external course provision. The present project, which runs from October 1985 to March 1986, is building on past work at Ealing. Ealing has developed a substantial database of short courses in librarianship and information science with details of cost, duration, location and subject. The work on para‐professional education will assess staff needs and will note experience in other countries, including the United States. The study of coordination will involve surveying course providers to see how they decide what courses to arrange, and how to price and market them. Further details are available from Dr Stephen Roberts, Ealing College of Higher Education, School of Library and Information Studies, St Mary's Road, Ealing, London W5 5RF (Tel: 01–579 4111 ext.3337).

Details

New Library World, vol. 86 no. 12
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0307-4803

Article
Publication date: 2 February 2015

Kwaku Agyen-Gyasi and Michael Sakyi Boateng

The purpose of this study is to discuss the impact of performance appraisal on the productivity levels of professional and para-professional librarians in selected academic and…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to discuss the impact of performance appraisal on the productivity levels of professional and para-professional librarians in selected academic and research libraries in Ghana, namely, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Building and Road Research Institute, Crop Research Institute and the Forestry Research Institute of Ghana of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research and the Kumasi Polytechnic.

Design/methodology/approach

Both primary and secondary sources of data were used for the study. The primary data involved the use of a structured questionnaire to 60 respondents, but 50 of them, representing 83.3 per cent, responded. This was supplemented by secondary sources such as records on file, journals, books and Internet sources.

Findings

The survey revealed that these institutions practice performance appraisal on an annual basis as a way of promoting team work, reducing grievances, identifying employees’ strengths and weaknesses and their training needs. It was observed that these institutions do not have a common appraisal format for appraising their staff. Furthermore, only the Head Librarians carry out the appraisals instead of the Line Mangers who are always in touch with these employees on a daily basis.

Originality/value

The paper will be of significant value to policymakers and administrators in academic and research institutions in the planning and implementation of performance appraisal systems. Challenges facing these institutions in implementing effective performance appraisal have been highlighted and appropriate recommendations have been made to ensure quality service delivery.

Details

Library Review, vol. 64 no. 1/2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0024-2535

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 September 2006

Heather Straughan and Michael Buckenham

This paper reports outcomes from a holistic, recovery‐based, user‐led group training for people with DSM‐IV bipolar disorder. Drawn from professional therapies and personal…

Abstract

This paper reports outcomes from a holistic, recovery‐based, user‐led group training for people with DSM‐IV bipolar disorder. Drawn from professional therapies and personal experience of the illness by the user‐researcher, the training was delivered over 12 weekly sessions. Using a case‐study approach, an experimental design incorporated pilot (eight participants), main study (five) and control groups (six). Self‐report scales measured mood, coping, empowerment and quality of life pre‐, post‐ and six months post‐training. Semi‐structured interviews noted individual change within the same time frame. Interviews with mental health professionals, medical note analysis and user‐researcher observations also informed the study. Findings from self‐report questionnaires indicated that participants experienced improved mood stability, symptom severity, coping and quality of life and greater empowerment. Out of the six controls, two indicated slight but slow recovery, four continued to use poor coping skills, and two of these four experienced major relapses.

Details

Journal of Public Mental Health, vol. 5 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1746-5729

Keywords

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