Chipa Maimela, senior coordinator of training in UP’s Department of Library Services, writes about his experience of incorporating LinkedIn Learning into training initiatives.

Staying ahead of technological advancements, and meeting the diverse needs of our library clients requires continuous learning and skill enhancement. As the senior coordinator of training who is responsible for the professional development of library staff at the University of Pretoria (UP), I have had the opportunity to integrate LinkedIn Learning into our training programmes, focusing on areas that are critical to our staff's growth. This journey has been both challenging and rewarding, offering insight into how targeted training can transform a team and elevate the services we provide.

When I first explored LinkedIn Learning as a resource, I was struck by the breadth of courses available. However, the challenge was to ensure that the selected courses aligned with our library’s specific needs. A one-size-fits-all approach would not suffice. Instead, I embarked on a careful process of course selection and customisation, ensuring that the training we provided was relevant, practical and engaging. This was done by assigning courses or a learning path to either individuals or a group. Some of the focuses are outlined below. 

Digital literacy: Building a strong foundation

Digital literacy is the backbone of modern libraries. From managing digital collections to supporting clients in navigating online resources, our staff need to be proficient in a range of digital tools. I selected courses like ‘Mastering Excel for Data Analysis’ and ‘Digital Literacy’ to ensure that staff could efficiently manage data and digital assets. Additionally, a course on cybersecurity was crucial in equipping our team with the skills to protect sensitive information, an increasingly important responsibility in the digital age.

Customer service: Enhancing client engagement

Our library staff is often the first point of contact for students and faculty. Their ability to provide excellent customer service directly impacts the user experience. To enhance these interactions, I chose courses such as ‘Customer Service Foundations’ and ‘Handling Difficult Situations in Customer Service’. These courses provided practical strategies for improving communication and problem-solving, enabling our staff to handle a wide range of needs with confidence and empathy.

Leadership and management: Preparing future leaders

Leadership within the library is not confined to those with managerial titles; it’s about fostering a culture of initiative and responsibility. Recognising this, I included courses like ‘Leadership Foundations’ and ‘Emotional Intelligence in Leadership’. These courses were designed to help both current and aspiring leaders within our library develop the skills to manage teams effectively, drive projects forward and navigate the complexities of the academic institution.

Employee wellness: Supporting a balanced workforce

In any profession, maintaining a healthy work-life balance is essential for sustained productivity and job satisfaction. Libraries are no exception. To support the well-being of our staff, I integrated courses such as ‘Mindfulness Practices for the Workplace’ and ‘Building Resilience’. These courses offered tools and techniques to manage stress, enhance focus and build resilience qualities that are particularly important in the demanding environment of academic libraries, while at the same time, guiding the client who is also encountering challenges.

Artificial intelligence literacy: Preparing for the future

Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a distant concept; it’s becoming an integral part of library operations, from resource management to user services. To prepare our staff for this shift, I selected courses like ‘Introduction to Generative AI’ and ‘Using AI in Libraries’. These courses provided an accessible introduction to AI, focusing on practical applications and ethical considerations. By demystifying AI, we empowered our staff to embrace these new technologies with confidence rather than apprehension.

Reflections on the journey

Implementing LinkedIn Learning for University library staff has been a transformative experience. The carefully curated and customised courses have not only addressed the immediate needs of our team but also laid the groundwork for future growth. I have seen first-hand how this targeted training has enhanced the skills of staff members, boosted their confidence and improved the overall quality of service we provide to our clients.

The success of this initiative underscores the importance of continuous learning and the value of investing in professional development. By equipping our staff with the knowledge and skills they need, we are not only enhancing their careers but also ensuring that our library remains a dynamic and responsive resource for our academic community.

As we look to the future, the lessons learned from this experience will continue to guide our approach to learning and development. With the ever-changing landscape of academic libraries, the commitment to ongoing education is more important than ever. LinkedIn Learning has proven to be a valuable tool in this journey, one that I am confident will continue to benefit our staff and our institution for years to come.