Defining competencies for sustaining public access computing programs is the first step toward providing a roadmap for library staff to identify skills gaps through assessments and to connect to learning opportunities to achieve each competency.
WebJunction’s competencies are divided into three sections—two of which address technical skills and knowledge and a third that addresses the management of public access computing programs. Technology Competencies for Patron Assistance defines skills that frontline library staff need in order to provide direct assistance to patrons on the public computers. The System Administration section defines skills necessary to set up, configure and maintain the public computers and networks. The Management Competencies are the umbrella over all, covering the master-planning, coordination and integration aspects of running a public access computing program.
Attached PDFs:
- Public Access Computing Technology Competencies includes the two technology sections, but does not include the management competencies.
- Sustaining Public Access Computing Programs covers the competencies for program management and technology.
WebJunction's general orientation is toward all public libraries across the spectrum with an emphasis on smaller and more rural libraries. Given the variety of organizational structures, it is beyond the scope of this project to delineate roles and classifications that apply within every system. Instead, we offer a menu of categories and competencies from which to pick and remix those that make sense to any individual library or library system.
The competencies are displayed in two levels of granularity. For each higher-level, more comprehensive competency in the left column, there is a list in the right column of associated skills, knowledge and/or attitudes by which a staff person might demonstrate that competency.
To navigate through the documents:
- Click the Bookmarks tab on the left of the pdf to open the linked Table of Contents.
- The longer titles indicate major section divisions.
- If referring back and forth to different sub-sections, keep track of your place by noting the page numbers at the bottom of the pdf window.
- To jump to a specific page, type the number into the page number box and press Enter.
