Does Your Library Staffing Reflect Your Community? Amy Hunter and Dawna Wark, Managers - HPL

Hamilton Public Library Approximately 500 staff at HPL and 192 are Pages. 1 Central Location 22 Branch Locations 2 Bookmobiles

Happy Less sick time Competent Positive Attitude Abilities Loyal Less Turnover Happy Flexible Less sick time Competent Positive Attitude Loyal Stable Friendly Dependable

Disability in Ontario

The Human Case 49% employment rate for people who identified as having a physical disability (2015). 79% employment rate for people who did not identify as having a physical disability (2015). 83% of survey respondents agreed or strongly agreed that employing people with disabilities demonstrated that businesses care about all workers.

The Business Case 77% of business owners said these employees either met or exceeded their expectations. 90% of these staff scored average or above average for performance. 86% of these staff scored above average for attendance. <4% of staff with a disability require any physical accommodations.

High School Programs Co-op – for high school credits Work Experience – volunteering experience

College- Career Pathways

Community Agencies

Library Basics

What’s in it for the Library?

Perspective “The value of what you see depends on how you choose to look at it.” (Specialisterne website, 2015)

Innovation “Innovation comes from the edges” Luisa Delgado, Chief Human Resources Officer at the software company SAP (Perkology Blog, May 22, 2013)

Planning for Success at Your Library Talk to your HR department/person and then to your existing staff about the plan. Be open to questions and answer their questions as fully as possible. Discuss with the potential candidate the job tasks and if they feel there would be any difficulties. The partner agency may assist with this process. Train as you would any other staff; realizing that more follow-up may be required.

Planning for Success at Your Library…2 If possible, have a similar staff position mentor, shadow and provide feedback (best practices for all staff). If difficulties are experienced, reach-out to partner agency/agencies early and utilize their resource people to reach solutions. Keep expectations realistic. Bumps along the way will happen.

Testimonials Being hired at Saltfleet was the best thing that happened in my life after my car accident.  The staff is great, kind, supportive and understanding.  Working at Saltfleet Library has had a huge positive effect on my life and general well being. Mel, Community Living, 2016  

Testimonials “By giving people like me, on a disability, or young people an opportunity to work it gives them a chance for a rewarding life to partake in the community as Ancaster Branch has done for me. I am so greatful for my part-time job.” Sandi, March of Dimes, 2016

Testimonials “What I found most interesting about this placement is there is always something new happening every day.  There is so much more than just reading and organizing books within a library.  There is community.  I couldn’t see it at first, but as I progressed I could notice just how much the Turner Park Library is vital to communities.  It is a vital source of knowledge and there are programs offered that reflect the diversity of the community the Hamilton Public Library serves. I feel more confident as a student working in a public workplace environment. I am proud to have been placed here at Turner Park Library.  I feel like I benefit both the Hamilton Public Library staff and the community in some way.  It is nice to feel welcomed into a big, active society.  And it is mine to discover.”    Noah, Co-op Student 2016-2017

Questions? Amy Hunter can be reached at: Westdale and Locke Branches Hamilton Public Library 905-546-3456 ahunter@hpl.ca Dawna Wark can be reached at: Waterdown, Carlisle and Freelton Branches Hamilton Public Library 905-689-6269 dwark@hpl.ca