Professional Executive Committee
Ad Hoc Committee on Permanent Appointment Final Report, 2005 (revised Nov. 2006)
Professional Staff members in the University Libraries do not necessarily share the same duties, roles, or objectives. There are two characteristics, however, that are integral parts of every Professional Staff member’s working life – responsibility and accountability.
Each professional has a responsibility to strive for excellence in their job, using their annual Performance Program as a framework. Beyond this, each professional also has a responsibility to contribute to the University Libraries staff as a whole. Serving on library and university committees and attending workshops and conferences are good ways to achieve this; reporting back to the staff on developments and trends as gleaned from these professional opportunities enriches us all.
Accountability is the necessary counterbalance to these activities. A Professional Staff member, working with their supervisor, needs to ensure that the work for which he or she is responsible does not suffer as a result of time-consuming committee work and conference attendance. A good professional contributes positively at both ends of the spectrum.
The University Libraries has a vested interest in seeing all staff members succeed and contribute, and is committed to providing a reasonable plan to help reach that goal. This includes a logical allocation of time to allow each staff member to develop and contribute outside their normal responsibilities.
An effective, successful dossier for permanent appointment includes clear examples of consummate knowledge, performance, and production on the job, as well as demonstrated contributions to the Libraries as a whole through Libraries, University, and professional involvement. The amount of involvement will differ from one staff member to another; it is imperative that the annual review process be used to clearly delineate the responsibilities and expectations for which the staff member is accountable. When the supervisor and the staff member both have an understanding of these expectations, the path toward permanent appointment is illuminated.
The following links will provide Professional Staff members with information and ideas about Libraries, University, and professional involvement.
Content provider: M. Donathen
Comments: lib-staffweb@buffalo.edu
Last update:
30 November, 2006