Executive Summary: ARL Spec Kit 323: Socializing New Hires

ARL Spec Kit 323: Socializing New Hires has been released and is available for purchase. The table of contents and an executive summary are available for free.

From an ARL Announcement:

The Association of Research Libraries (ARL) has published Socializing New Hires, SPEC Kit 323, which investigates the progress made in ARL member organizations to establish or enhance socialization programs and activities (such as orientation programs, mentoring, residency appointments, and staff development sessions directed at organizational acculturation) for all newly hired, paid employees. It explores the availability and types of programs, activities, and resources currently offered in ARL institutions; staff involved in designing and coordinating socialization programs and activities; goals and budget for socialization programs; length of participation in programs and activities; evaluation and assessment of programs; and benefits of socialization programs, activities and resources.

The survey results clearly demonstrate that socialization activities are widespread and growing in research libraries and archives. The volume of response and detailed sample documents provided are indicative of the prevalence of existing activities and institutional commitment to these programs. There is a perception of the critical importance and value of these activities to the enhancement of organizational success. The plethora of comments on the benefits of socialization programs indicates that ARL members highly value these efforts.

SPEC Kit 323, Socializing New Hires
Authors: Sharon Ladenson, Diane Mayers, and Colleen Hyslop

Direct to Table of Contents and Executive Summary (15 Pages; PDF)

Direct to ARL Order Form For Full Text Report

Filed under: Academic Libraries, Archives and Special Collections, Associations and Organizations, Libraries, Reports