The first step of this training program was establishing core competencies for staff who had to learn a new library system. Phyllis Post, chair of the Ad Hoc Committee, stated that core competencies are being used in non-library fields as well as in libraries, and that some of the items in her bibliography on page 55 of the Educational Program Handout Materials referred to jobs outside of libraries. However, they help with understanding the history and uses of core competencies. Core competencies are observable and demonstrable skill sets that contribute to the successful completion of a task or job. They differ from a job description, which describes the end result.
Core competencies detail what an employee needs to know to achieve the end results.
It is important that employees be included, so that they understand they are not being evaluated. Input from staff is also needed so that core competencies can be described in ways they relate to and understand. Training is the most important, and often, the most popular outcome of establishing core competencies. Also, for evaluation, both supervisors and staff have a specific knowledge of what is expected. In the best outcome, staff will feel pride in recognizing how much they have mastered to accomplish their jobs.