SCLS Home Multitype Home Services

Job Shadowing Guidelines

What is the SCLS-MALC Job Shadowing Program

Definition of terms

How does it work?

General guidelines for visitors

General guidelines for hosts

Forms

Participating Libraries

What is the SCLS-MALC Job Shadowing Program?

Job shadowing is an opportunity for SCLS member library professional and paraprofessional staff to gain first-hand knowledge in library work. A job shadowing visit may be 2, 4, or 8 hours in duration. Visitors are matched with host libraries to interact with their staff and observe services and processes of interest. A job shadowing experience can help participants:

• Experience the culture of another institution.
• Observe and acquire examples of good management practice.
• Identify areas for further service development.
• Identify areas for personal development.
• Network with other staff.
• Compare and contrast standards and achievements in their own institution with those elsewhere.
• Develop and/or increase collegiality.

Definition of terms:

Host: The SCLS member (public or multitype) library (or library department) that offers to host individuals from other SCLS member libraries, who have expressed an interest in visiting and observing the practices at another library.
Visitor: The individual from a SCLS member library (public or multitype) who goes to visit and observe at another SCLS member library.

How Does it Work?

Outline of process

• Prospective hosts complete Host registration form.
• Visitor reviews online list of host libraries. 
• Visitor completes and submits the online Visitor application form.
• SCLS staff will contact the host library to inform appropriate staff of the job shadow request.
• When the request has been approved by the host library, SCLS staff will share host’s contact information with the visitor, who is responsible for contacting the host library to set up the job shadow visit.
• After the job shadow, both the visitor and host will complete and submit an evaluation.
• SCLS seeks permission to add testimonials of their experience to the job shadow website.

General guidelines for visitors

Preparation

• Work out with your host what you will see and do that day, based on your interests and availability.
• Job Shadowing is part of a learning process. Participants are not paid for this experience. Be respectful of your host’s time commitment.
• To make this experience meaningful, some preparation is helpful. Look at the host library's website, catalog and other available resources.
• Come prepared with questions to ask the host.
• Tell your host what you are interested in learning.
• Check with the host in advance to determine your plans for the day.
• Check with host in advance about appropriate attire.
• Provide advance notice if you require special needs accommodations.

The Day on the job

• Be mindful that different libraries observe different policies and do your best to abide by them.
• Come prepared with plenty of questions. Both parties should be open to learning from each other.
• Have fun!

Follow-up

• Complete an evaluation.
• A thank you note to your host is always appreciated.
• If mutually agreeable, continue your discussions—who knows, it may develop into a longer term mentoring relationship!

General Guidelines for Host

Preparation

• Ask your visitor if s/he requires special needs accommodations.
• Let your visitor know what is considered appropriate attire at your workplace.
• Work out with your visitor what you will see and do that day.

The Day on the job

• Provide nametags; introduce visitor to as many staff as possible.
• Be prepared to share information about your visitor’s interest areas; maybe some statistics, history, other appropriate information
• Both parties should be open to learning from each other.
• Have fun!

Follow-up

• Complete an evaluation.
• If mutually agreeable, continue your discussions—who knows, it may develop into a longer-term mentoring relationship!

Forms:

Visitor Application Form

Host Registration Form

Evaluation

For more information about Multitype Services, contact Jean Anderson.

SCLS Home | Multitype Home | Services