Supervising Library Paraprofessionals

When invited to participate in a Florida Library Association Conference paraprofessional workshop, I decided to compile and share lists of things "to do" and "not to do" when supervising support staff. I thought who better to assist me in compiling the lists than the paras themselves, so I put the request for assistance on the support staff listserve (Libsup). The paras overwhelmed me with ideas. All I had to do was to compile them to lists of 10 and then prioritize them, no easy task. However, the following lists are the top ten things " not to do" and " to do" when supervising paraprofessionals starting with # 10 and ending with the most important # 1.

10. Don't pile on assignment after assignment
Give staff time to re-coop before starting another project . It is disheartening to assign another project, before the first one is finished. Ensure the staff is clear in your expectations. Don't throw your work onto the nearest para to you.

9. Don't break a confidence
When someone speaks to you in private keep it private. Your staff needs to know that they can trust you and that you will show them respect. If they express something you would like to share ask permission if it is not given; keep your conversation private.

8. Don't play favorites
Playing favorites is counteractive to teamwork. View all your staff as individuals with different talents and abilities. Playing favorites breeds discontentment. Be fair and honest in your dealings. Don't change the rules for one and not the others, except for the occasional time an individual may have a personal crisis.

7. Don't be over critical
Practice patience -- people do things in different ways. When they are doing the very best they can, recognize the efforts put forth.

6. Don't be insincere
Admit mistakes. Don't grovel or whine or make excuses. Don't blame your tools or equipment. Whatever you do don't blame your staff. We all fuss some times, but don't make it a habit. Also, we want to be honest in our praise. Mean what you say.

5. Don't expect paras to run your personal errands
Never! Never! Never! Don't ask them to go to the cleaners for you or purchase snacks for you while they are on their breaks or on the way to or from work. Paras are not inferior or underling to you and are not your errand boys.

4. Don't expect more from paras than you do of yourself
They are workers also and on the same team as yourself. Don't prejudge what paras can do. Don't expect your paras to be more than human or superhuman in tasks given or preformed. Don't request your support staff to do the jobs you do not like to do.

3. Don't demand "your way"
Try to always give choices. Remember that different people have difference work styles. Some need a little extra assistance or training. Most staff will be happier, as well as, more productive when they are given a chance to use their own abilities.

2. Don't have an "us" versus "them" attitude
We are all working toward one goal to provide services to our patrons. You don't have to have a M.L.S. to be "professional" in your job. At times we do not get the respect or acknowledgment we deserve, but when we are doing our best, we can at least feel good about ourselves. As long as we know we are doing "professional" work, our self-esteem for a job well-done should make us better employees. It is all an attitude. WE ARE PROFESSIONALS.

1. Don't micromanage
Don't manage or control with excessive attention to minor details. Provide clear instructions, training, materials, and equipment and let the paras do their job. Offer assistance when requested in an attitude of mutually respectful professionalism. Be aware of what is going on in each department. But, do not hover, nag, sneak peeks at work in progress, or otherwise distract the paraprofessional and give the impression that you do not trust his or her ability to do the job. If you are a worrywart, like myself, set times for progress checks weekly, etc. but don't show disrespect by looking over shoulders, irritating and discouraging your support staff.

10. Be an active listener
Make communication top priority. Listen to what they are saying and what they are not saying. Listen to body language.

9. Be a friendly mentor
Be open and available to staff. Let them know they can approach you with a concern. Learn to know each para's strengths and utilize them to the max. Know who are self-motivators and who need help in setting priorities. Set a good example. Don't use your paras as sounding boards for your personal life. "Start as a friendly mentor and end as a friendly professional colleague."

8. Recognize and reward special efforts
Samples of recognition: "Applause", "Courtesy", "Seal of approval", and the "Employee of the month" awards. Don't forget the "Thank you"

7. Share successes -- take failures onto yourself
Promote your staff whenever possible. Talk about the good things they are doing. An example might be, "We all worked together to make this task or program successful". Be loyal to your support staff and don't blame them for failures.

6. Encourage continuing education
Stress the importance of good education. Be sure to inform the staff of library education opportunities. Stress professional growth and personal goal setting.

5. Arrange for one or more paras to attend training
Encourage paras to attend programs, workshops, and conferences. If the conference is close and it is possible, try to share conferences (a day or two). Encourage them to share with the rest of staff what they have learned and bring back handouts when ever possible. Provide training when it is needed. The "Soaring to Excellence" teleconferences are available on tape and can be used for training. Consider time on e-mail and Internet use as in-house training and not playing around. I have set as a personal goal to attend some sort of training each month. Even if one has a degree, continuing education is an important objective.

4. Keep a good sense of humor
Keep laughing at your mistakes. We all make many mistakes so instead of getting up tight remember to laugh. It relieves a lot of stress. Enjoy your job, and your mutual profession.

3. Stress teamwork
Teamwork is very important. Hold regularly scheduled meetings and encourage participation in organizational decisions especially when it may concern their area. Ensure all staff know the library's mission and how their job assists in meeting the library's goals.

2. Remember what "professionalism" means
Remember professionalism is most important and is an attitude not just a job description. Life experiences can balance the lack of a formal training. Make sure they know about support associations, COLT and other paraprofessional groups or training. Encourage them to participate in local boards, councils, and associations.

1. Practice empowerment
Help people reach their full potential. Let staff make some decisions and have responsibilities. Encourage the paras to get involved in professional development opportunities such as FLA. Encourage your staff to consider their position as a career and not just a job. Don't be slow in granting authority and responsibility. There are lots of untapped knowledge, skills, new ideas, and valuable resources with in your staff. Purchase business cards for your staff. Help them reach their full potential.

Let me add to always treat paraprofessionals with respect for the contributions they are making to the library. Don't make support staff feel inferior or subordinate because they don't have M.L.S. Set the example. Give encouragement and appreciation. Remember "Professionalism" is an attitude not a job description. Encourage staff to be professional in attitude, goals, and achievements.

Let me encourage you to send me your feelings and opinions of the lists. You can e-mail me a message at: dseverance@nwrls.lib.fl.us