Hiring for attitude and training for skill in the library

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to emphasize that hiring a library employee in possession of a positive and winning attitude can pay enormous benefits for the organization far into the future.

Design/methodology/approach

Literature review and commentary on this topic has been addressed by professionals, researchers and practitioners.

Findings

While it can be difficult to completely be certain that one has made the right choice with every hire, at least by developing a set of effective interview questions, listening closely to the candidate’s responses and appraising any negative bent in mood or language with the objective of assessing attitude at the outset of the interview can lead to a more successful hiring experience.

Originality/value

The value in addressing this issue is to submit that hiring employees for their attitude and training them for their skills can result in a workplace where the positive benefits of such hires can be realized daily.

Citation

Massis, B. (2015), "Hiring for attitude and training for skill in the library", New Library World, Vol. 116 No. 7/8, pp. 467-470. https://doi.org/10.1108/NLW-12-2014-0145