Before Employee Arrives

The library director (or designee) should send a letter specifying conditions of employment, such as salary, hours of work, job title.

Equip employee's desk or work area with basic supplies:

Stapler	ruler	staff directory
cellophane tape	pens, pencils	phone books
stationery	paper	keys
scissors	note pads	procedure manuals

Prepare an orientation packet, including:

•history and philosophy of the library

•organization chart

•descriptions of the functions of each library department

•library staff directory

•library or institution's newsletter

•library's annual report

•map of the institution, campus, or agency

•if the employee is from out of town, information on the locale

Order nameplate (pin, badge, etc.) and business cards.

Update staff directory to include new employee.

Put new employee on mailing list for library and institutional newsletters.

Notify coworkers of new employee's name, duties, and start date.

Provide employee with parking information.

•Introduce employee to coworkers.

•Library tour, focusing on restrooms, cafeteria or lounge, location of supplies, photocopy machines, and telephones.

•Cover safety/security issues, such as emergency procedures and personal safety.

•Discuss hours, breaks, payday, and procedures for reporting absences.

•Make lunch arrangements for new employee with yourself, the new employee's guide, or a group of coworkers.

•Inform employee how you, coworkers, and administrators prefer to be addressed (i.e., by first name, last name, or title).

•Discuss the philosophy of the library and its commitment to service.

•Discuss standards of conduct and formal or informal dress codes.

•Be sure all personnel paperwork is completed.

•Discuss telephone procedures and policies.

•Tour entire institution or agency, pointing out credit union, cafeteria(s), and post office.

•Explain timekeeping procedures, including overtime and compensatory time.

•Review library's organizational chart and reporting structure.

•Arrange for employee to get ID and library card.

•Explain library policies on office collections, soliciting, confidentiality of library records, smoking, alcohol and drugs.

•Arrange for explanation of benefits, such A insurance, vacation, leave policies, retirement, disability, credit union, tuition coverage, holidays, jury duty, bereavement leave, and travel policy.

•Explain safety procedures.

•Explain procedures for communicating problems or concerns.

•Cover department-specific plans, policies, and procedures.

•Cover housekeeping responsibilities.

•Explain operation of employee's union (if applicable).

•Discuss probationary period.

•Discuss performance standards and appraisal.

•Discuss library's tenure or salary review program.

•Cover long-range plans of the library.

•Cover grievance procedures.

•Set appointment with library director and your supervisor.

•Arrange for orientation to other departments with whom employee frequently interacts.

•Ask for employee's feedback on orientation.

•Discuss opportunities for advancement.