Training situations in a library setting can take many different forms—from simple self-directed learning opportunities to comprehensive multi-day workshops taught by experts. To help library managers, training professionals, and others involved in the development and administration of training in libraries, Barbara Allan, Dean of the Westminster Business School in the United Kingdom, has developed a practical guide for understanding how to approach the development, design, and delivery of workplace training in all types of libraries.

The author has divided the book into two main sections—one focusing on the practice of training, and the other on learning in the workplace. The emphasis in section one is on helping the reader understand the importance of planning, designing, and delivering training events in a library setting, while section two offers an introduction to more than 90 ideas for the development of training material to be carried out on the job. The ideas are designed to keep the training professional knowledgeable about the latest approaches in the field of workplace training. To name just a few, these ideas include coaching, delegation, mind mapping, personal development portfolios, self-assessment tools, and work shadowing.

A unique aspect of this book is the author’s inclusion of a broad range of example situations, case studies, diagrams, checklists, and resource materials throughout the book to expand the reader’s understanding of the concepts addressed. These nuggets of information help readers visualize how the training components can be put into practice in a library setting and, more importantly, how they might work in their own libraries.

This no-nonsense guide is an easy read with a great deal of thought-provoking information to help managers, trainers, and others who are tasked with workplace learning in a library setting. Whether you are a newly appointed trainer or someone with years of training experience, this book offers information and resources to develop or elevate your training repertoire to effectively meet library needs.