The problem

While libraries have developed many metrics to measure the size, coverage, or usage of library collections that can be benchmarked within the industry, libraries have minimal data available to understand the skills and capabilities of the organization. 

When a new priority or initiative is needed to fulfill key stakeholder needs, such as engaging with campus leadership about AI or working with the city to improve health literacy, library leaders are missing essential information to determine the library’s readiness to meet the new priority. 

If a library receives new funding to increase capacity in critical areas, it can be beneficial. However, it can take months or even years to start with internal skill development. Similarly, developing position descriptions or recruitment can also be time-consuming.

The solution

With Skilltype, libraries have multiple options to increase capacity in critical areas. They can cultivate skills internally, reallocate resources to new areas, or launch targeted recruiting efforts. Additionally, they can collaborate with partners in a consortium or network to share resources.

Skilltype’s up-to-date, standardized views of each library’s skills, product experience, and staff interests make it possible to identify individuals within the organization who may have the needed expertise without sending out a survey or canvassing managers via Slack. Skilltype’s Talent Audit will reveal staff who have experience with or signaled an interest in learning a new skill or product, such as Research Data Management or Python. 

When a library’s Skilltype Talent Audit reveals key skills missing from an organization, Skilltype will highlight those skills for easy visibility. The platform will also display libraries within the consortia you belong to with the missing expertise. Skilltype will reveal opportunities for potential collaboration or shared services engagements. 

Libraries can belong to one or more consortial networks on Skilltype. This allows them to model expertise across broad networks of libraries for solutions to common challenges, advice, mentoring, and more. With Skilltype, leaders can identify an extended pool of expertise through partner libraries in real-time. They don’t have to wait for a response to an email listserv or make multiple phone calls to other libraries.