Supporting staff growth

Carolyn Carvajal calls the Learning Opportunities program a “win-win situation.”

Academic libraries are changing rapidly in response to user needs, and so are theskill sets required by those who work in libraries. As part of its retention strategy and a commitment to nurture professional development from within, UBC Library created a Learning Opportunities pilot program in early 2011.

Internal positions are created within the Library as learning opportunities, with staff encouraged to apply as a short-term step to gain new skills without having to leave the organization. Employee groups such as CUPE 2950 and the Faculty Association recognized the pilot program as a way to provide new experiences and new work environments, says Ina Reiche, Human Resources Manager at the Library.

Carolyn Carvajal, an Instructional Support Assistant at the Library, applied for a learning opportunity with the Teaching and Learning division. In her new role, she provided instructional and technical support, and honed her teaching and leadership skills, something she believes she’ll be able to apply to her home position.

Carvajal’s supervisor, Aleteia Greenwood — the Branch Head of Science and Engineering — is also a big supporter of the Learning Opportunities program. She notes that Library managers can be more creative and collaborative in staff training, and encourage flexibility in workflow arrangements.

In its inaugural year, the Library posted 11 positions as part of the Learning Opportunities program. The program will continue for CUPE 2950 members, as well as Management and Professional staff, and Technicians/Research Assistants. “I’d absolutely recommend the Learning Opportunities program to other staff,” says Carvajal. “Whatever else happens, you can only grow as a person – both personally and professionally. It’s a win-win situation.”