Q1 and Then Some: Onboarding New Academic Business Librarians

Hickey (2020) makes the compelling argument that onboarding begins with the recruitment process as language in job postings can indicate a library’s commitment to training and professional development. Since onboarding is an extended process, managers should consult the many excellent examples of generic onboarding plans and programs found in the library literature (Ballard & Blessing, 2006; Corbin, 2020; Hickey, 2020; Wallace, 2009; Weiner, 2015; Williams & Davis, 2021). [...]a review of reference in the library and information science curriculum indicated a decline of discipline-based reference courses (Mahoney, Reiter, & Zabel, 2020). Ask them how they would like their name to appear on their office nameplate. * Help the new hire navigate the onboarding process established by human resources. The lists of permissions may include the following: computer access; access to the circulation system; access to system(s) in place to track reference transactions and research consultations; access to system(s) in place for the ordering of materials; an account for the creation of learning objects and tutorials; access to the system for chat and email reference; and access to a calendar system for reserving group study rooms.