Staffing the Commons: job analysis in the context of an Information Commons

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to apply principles from the field of industrial and organizational psychology on organizational analysis and job analysis to better identify successful candidates for employment in an Information Commons.Design/methodology/approachReview of professional research, research from both library literature and industrial and organizational psychology, review of professional association surveys.FindingsLibrary administration must invest time to articulate mission, value, and goals for the Information Commons before undertaking the organizational analysis. From the organizational analysis will flow the job analysis, job descriptions and hiring protocols.Original/valueCore concepts of organizational analysis and job analysis from the field of industrial and organizational psychology are pertinent and useful to library leaders in planning, implementing and staffing new service models, such as Information Commons.