The training and development of library staff has once again been given a high priority this year and we were delighted to announce in February the achievement of the Investors in People Award.

For us this was the recognition and culmination of several years of hard work putting in place strategies and programmes to ensure that all library staff are trained to a high standard.The training function in Birmingham City University Libraries is directed by the Staff Training and Development Committee.

Each year we put together a series of events and sessions in response to needs identified through our Individual Performance Review system.

The Training Hour Programme has now been running three years and it provides the mechanism for regular refresher and awareness training. This year we have covered subjects such as the Freedom of Information Act, and the newstaff intranet. A programme of termly events is organised for more specific subjects whereby external trainers are brought in to provide the training that we are unable to deliver in house e.g. Handling Conflict and DisabilitiesAwareness. For more specialist areas of work library staff attend external training events and conferences.

The third biennial library Information Day held in July was attended by 100 library staff. The day was hailed as a success in bringing library staff from all eight campuses together, which is a rare occasion.

This page last updated by John McMullan.