In this series, I’ve written about defining play space standards and creating supporting tools and resources. Today, I’m tackling the most complicated but imperative step: staff training. Standards and resources don’t help if staff don’t understand their whys or how to apply them. We expect all staff to engage in the play space, regardless of their job title or programming interests. Further, we wanted consistent information across our buildings as much as possible. Here’s where we started.
Determining Logistics
First, our team created a shared trainer guide outlining core concepts. Next, I outlined a training plan with my building’s supervisors. I wanted a small group training that allowed for conversation. In addition, we wanted to equip staff with baseline knowledge before the busy summer season. I shared availability, and then supervisors assigned staff to one-hour training sessions. After the initial sessions, I scheduled additional sessions to accommodate staffing and schedule changes.
Explaining the Why
We needed staff buy-in for both play spaces and training. First, we discussed play spaces as library services. Next, we discussed applications for specific positions. Finally, I reviewed our standards, explaining key points with examples. I also shared future planned updates.
Outlining Available Resources
Next, we explored available staff resources. To start, I reviewed the FAQ document. Then, I explained a simple process for engaging with families. This section also included space to practice handling different scenarios. While we give trainers some sample scenarios, I’ve found this works best when attendees share their observations and questions. Finally, we touched on space design and seating. I encouraged trainees to walk through the play space and observe the design.
Managing Our Toys
The most complicated portion was toy management because it was a new approach. Previously, not all buildings had toy sets. Even for those that did, one or two staff maintained and rotated them. Now all our staff manage the space. First, we reviewed the recommended toys document and how to add toys. I emphasized it as a resource for purchases and patron questions. In addition, we reviewed when and how to add items not recommended.
Next, we reviewed the toy management document. We used a sample spreadsheet, as we hadn’t received and inventoried all our toys. Instead, we discussed how it would help in the future and the types of information covered. Then, I highlighted the toy rotation as an overview of the space. I noted how inventory assists in overall maintenance. Finally, I reviewed the process for purchase suggestions.
Cleaning and Closing
We also reviewed cleaning expectations. While we had some cleaning procedures, the weekly cleaning logs and expectations were new. I wanted staff to understand both the why of cleaning and the accountability. First, I outlined available resources. Then, I detailed the weekly log and how it would change our procedures. While the closing procedures were a new addition, the process rolled out in advance of other initiatives. Consequently, we only covered these with new staff.
Following Up
After training, I extended an open invitation for further support. Examples included additional conversations, role play, or even coaching. Then, I sent a recap email with links to training resources and brief descriptions. Finally, as we added additional resources (like completing our inventory), I sent updates to all staff.
We’re now actively testing processes and procedures to see what works and where we might adjust. So far, we’ve seen positive engagement in the space with updated toys and increased community use. Further, increased staff engagement helps us understand our trends and challenges. Like any good project, we’ll continue reviewing and revising over time, but we’ve made a solid start.
What would you like to see covered in staff training?
All images courtesy of the author. For sample documents, please contact the author at jaimee@plano.gov. This post addresses ALSC Core Competency #1: Commitment to Client Group and #2: Reference and User Services.
Jaime Eastman is a senior Public Services Librarian and Early Learning Coordinator at the Harrington Library, one of the Plano (Texas) Public Library locations. She’s currently serving as a member of the ALSC Board of Directors. Jaime is also working on at least two ambitious cross stitch projects, dreaming of future travel plans, and reading far too many books at once. As a child, she wanted to grow up to be an author. Writing for the blog and publishing with Children and Libraries feel like a good start, and she regrets nothing about her adult decision to be a librarian doing storytimes who didn’t have to grow up too much.