Began with the UWA Library strategy
2005-2007, In 2007, they started the Flying Start program for new
librarians at UWA. It is a 12 month program that sees new librarians
work ½ their time in reader services, the other half in
information services, to give them the bigger picture of UWA
libraries.

Core competencies have been developed
for each side of the library, but they are also expected to pick up
additional elective skills in more specilaist areas of either
information or reader services. This has included a project
management module, which results in participants then working on a
major project team at the library.

At the end of the program, participants
are able to give feedback on the program to the Executive and to
indicate their preference as to where they would like to work after
the programs conclusion.

Matts experience of the program has
been both challenging and rewarding, enabled him to deal with variety
of tasks in reader services, was given other development
opportunities, enabled him to break down internal barriers.

Knowledge of both sections of the
library has helped break down the existing silos, enabled him to
better serve users and fellow library staff. Challenges included
information overload two part-time jobs but in the same location,
difficult to switch off from one half, neede to develop task
prioritisation skills.

Other participants expressed that the
found the program to be beneficial, both to the individua librarians
and to the teams they worked with, however a preference was expressed
for different timing – working in 6 month blocks in each section,
rather than half weeks. The program will continue and longstanding
librarians are expressing an interest in undertaking a similar
program.