Librarianship Program

What Makes a Successful Succession Plan?

Dr. Lesley S. J. Farmerlfarmer@csulb.edu

Librarianship Program

Introduction:

Academic preparation is general.First couple of years can be difficult for librarians.Librarian’s expectations might not match realities of day-to-day work or mesh with site’s existing values and norms. Successor planning is needed.

Librarianship Program

Supporting Theories:

Competency Theory: skill acquisition, reflectivity, attribution theory, self-theories, self-efficacyChange Theory: adult development, operant conditioning, feelings of loss/role development, Concerns-Based Adoption ModelContingency Theory of Socialization: workplace learning, work role transition, stress factors, socialization, mentors

Librarianship Program

Findings: Reasons for Leaving

feeling of isolationMore comfortable with prior jobfeeling of lack of control and self-determination because of other people’s demands on library servicesunrealistic job expectations, either because of heightened expectations raised in pre-service academic preparation or because of supervisor’s determination

Librarianship Program

Disposition Predictors for SuccessExtroverted or service-oriented Self-confident risk-takers or at least open-mindedLife-long learnersFlexibleGood communicators and collaborators Value intellectual challenge and autonomyLike reading and research processes

While having these pre-existing dispositions can facilitate beginning librarian experiences, some behaviors (e.g., independent learning skills, communication, collaboration) can be taught in pre-service programs.

Librarianship Program

Recommendations for Site Administrators

Clarify job expectations, including budget issuesBe sensitive to first-year workloadPublicly recognize librarian’s efforts beyond identified job descriptionsMake sure that all librarians, regardless of their tenure, have opportunities to network, to voice their needs, and to contribute to site’s mission based on their abilities

Librarianship Program

Professional Development Recommendations

Provide professional development opportunities for new functions such as technology expertEarly professional development should have close transfer of learning Provide function-expert mentors and opportunities to see librarianship best practiceFocus on social connections in second yearFoster a learning community; recognize collaborative planning / implementation