Onboarding wasn’t just about ticking off boxes on a checklist—it was about setting the stage for success, inclusion, and long-term satisfaction. For professional librarians, who often entered new roles with a wealth of experience but faced unique challenges in adapting to a new environment, the onboarding process was critical. At Goldey-Beacom College, our approach to onboarding professional librarians was rooted in empathy, care, and leadership. We believed that by prioritizing these values, we could create a workplace where every librarian felt supported, valued, and empowered from day one.
Drawing from my experiences as a library director, I had seen firsthand how a compassionate and structured onboarding process could make a significant difference. It wasn’t just about getting new librarians up to speed—it was about fostering a sense of belonging and purpose, ensuring that they could thrive in their new roles.
Understanding the Institutional Context
Goldey-Beacom College’s transition to a Master’s Colleges & Universities: Larger Programs category, coupled with its status as an Emerging Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), had redefined how we approached the onboarding of professional librarians. With a diverse student body and a growing emphasis on inclusivity, it was essential that our onboarding process reflected these values.
Professional librarians joining our team brought a diverse range of experiences and expertise. Our goal was to ensure that their integration into the library was seamless while also aligning with the college’s broader mission to serve a diverse population. This required a tailored approach that respected and valued each librarian’s unique background and contributions.
Leadership and Identity in Onboarding
As a white male library director at an institution committed to diversity and inclusion, I was acutely aware of how my identity and position influenced the onboarding process for professional librarians. My leadership philosophy—centered on advocacy, support, and celebration—guided me in creating an environment where diversity was not just acknowledged but actively celebrated.
Empathy played a central role in my leadership style. By understanding and addressing the diverse backgrounds of our professional librarians, I strived to create an onboarding experience that was welcoming, inclusive, and supportive. This involved recognizing the inherent power dynamics in my role and making decisions that were equitable and respectful, ensuring that every new librarian felt valued and empowered.
The Transformative Power of Empathy
Empathy was not just a buzzword—it was a powerful tool that could transform the onboarding process for professional librarians. Research had shown that empathy in the workplace could significantly enhance performance and job satisfaction. For librarians, who often worked in environments that demanded high levels of interaction and collaboration, empathy was crucial.
At Goldey-Beacom College, we integrated empathy into every aspect of our onboarding process. This included empathy-building activities that helped new librarians navigate and respond to the diverse needs of our student body and staff. By fostering a culture of empathy, we created an environment where professional librarians could thrive, feel supported, and contribute meaningfully to the library’s mission.
Strategies for Effective Onboarding
Our onboarding strategy for professional librarians was built on a foundation of empathy, clarity, and support. Here were some key strategies we employed:
- Personalized Onboarding Plans: We created individualized onboarding plans that took into account each librarian’s background, experience, and professional goals. These plans included clear expectations, milestones, and opportunities for professional development.
- Communication Agreements: Similar to the user guides used with student workers, we implemented communication agreements with professional librarians. These agreements helped set the tone for open, respectful, and effective communication, ensuring that all team members felt heard and valued.
- Mentorship Programs: We paired new librarians with experienced mentors who could provide guidance, support, and insights into the college’s culture and expectations. This mentorship relationship was crucial for helping new librarians navigate their roles and build strong professional networks.
- Regular Check-Ins: We scheduled regular check-ins during the onboarding period to address any challenges, provide feedback, and ensure that new librarians were progressing well. These check-ins were an opportunity to adjust the onboarding plan as needed and to offer additional support where necessary.
- Celebrating Achievements: Recognizing the accomplishments of new librarians, both big and small, was an essential part of our onboarding process. Celebrating these achievements reinforced the value of their contributions and fostered a sense of belonging within the library community.
Fostering Inclusivity and Celebrating Diversity
Inclusivity and diversity were at the heart of our onboarding process for professional librarians. At Goldey-Beacom College, we recognized that every librarian brought a unique perspective, shaped by their cultural background, professional experience, and personal journey. Our onboarding process was designed to honor these differences and to create an environment where every librarian could succeed.
From the outset, we emphasized the importance of cultural awareness and sensitivity. Our onboarding materials were carefully crafted to reflect the diverse identities of our staff, and we provided resources that addressed cultural nuances and promoted inclusivity. This approach ensured that every librarian felt welcomed and supported, regardless of their background.
We also actively celebrated the diversity of our team. Through cultural celebrations, professional development opportunities, and inclusive team-building activities, we created a workplace where diversity was not just acknowledged but celebrated. This commitment to inclusivity extended beyond onboarding, shaping our library’s culture and practices in meaningful ways.
Lessons Learned and Future Directions
Reflecting on our onboarding practices for professional librarians, several key lessons emerged:
- Empathy is Key: Empathy was a powerful tool for creating a supportive and inclusive onboarding experience. By prioritizing empathy, we ensured that every librarian felt valued and understood.
- Continuous Feedback is Essential: Regular feedback from new librarians and mentors was instrumental in refining our onboarding strategies. We planned to strengthen this feedback loop to ensure our process remained responsive and effective.
- Flexibility and Adaptability: The dynamic nature of higher education required flexibility and adaptability in our onboarding approach. We were committed to staying agile and responsive to the evolving needs of our professional librarians.
- Commitment to Diversity: Our commitment to diversity and inclusion would continue to guide our efforts. We aimed to deepen our understanding of the unique needs of our diverse team and to further embed these values into our policies and practices.
Conclusion and Call to Action
Onboarding was more than just an administrative process—it was an opportunity to set the tone for a librarian’s entire career at our institution. At Goldey-Beacom College, we were committed to making this process as inclusive, supportive, and empathetic as possible. But there was always room for growth.
I encouraged fellow library directors and leaders in higher education to embrace empathy, prioritize inclusivity, establish mentorship programs, and seek continuous improvement in their onboarding practices. By doing so, we could create welcoming environments where professional librarians felt valued, empowered, and equipped to succeed.
Together, we could elevate the onboarding experience, ensuring that our libraries were not only places of knowledge but also communities of support, inclusivity, and growth.
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