Staff development for institutional success – a reality

Abstract

The University of Pretoria’ Library Services (UPLS) believes that the strength of its institution is its staff. It has been fortunate to have a staff complement that represents varying expertise, experience, specialisation and qualities. This paper will articulate the reasons why the UPLS has included staff development as a key strategy within its strategic plan. It will further discuss how this strategy is managed, funded and implemented; and to what extent it has succeeded in fostering an environment of innovation and exploration. This strategy was further informed by the Investors in People benchmark exercise undertaken by the UPLS in 2009. This process and final report highlighted the need to carefully review the way CPD has been understood and managed. As part of the strategic planning process, it was recommended that when strategies are identified the relevant skills sets should also be identified. The impact hereof has been huge. By deviating from the usual ad hoc approach and adopting this strategic approach to staff development, the UPLS has realised the importance of staff development towards its success and position as a leading academic library nationally and internationally.