More than a Paycheck: Creative Benefits Packages for Libraries

In tight budget times libraries are looking at ways to provide benefits or a positive work culture environment to attract and maintain quality staff. This session looked at 100 + ideas that libraries might be able to use. Some of the ideas I had heard before and others took a different focus. Some would work for any sized library and some were geared for the larger library.

The program was broken down into areas. The first was Culture and one presenter spoke of a quality of work life survey she had done with the staff. There were nine areas from management, communication, empowerment, etc. This gave them feedback on areas where problems might exist. The first time the survey was done it was used as a baseline for the library. It will be repeated every three years. One caution, be prepared to listen to what staff say and be willing to do something with the information gathered.

Other areas of the program covered Life-Work Balance, Staff Development, Staff Recognition, and Health and Welfare. One suggestion was for when there is a big project, such as migration to a new automation system or moving to a new building that staff be allowed to talk about the process. Celebrate the event but also allow staff to respond to these questions on a white board or flip chart:

• What I will miss from the old system or building (a mourning response)
• What am I uncertain about.
• What I am looking forward too.

Giving leave time to vote, donate blood, or attend school conferences were new ideas that would be easy for a library to institute and help staff to feel more a part of the community. Pat Conley Director at Washington County (MN) Library talked about a program she tried once and will try again. It was a way for staff to rotate between locations.

If you would like to see the handouts click here, once at the page scroll down to the title More than a Paycheck on Sunday at 3:30 PM.