Successful Completion of Onboarding Training for Hawassa University’s College of Agriculture Library Staff, Sponsored by CLIFOOD

Welcome and Introduction:

Mr. Aser Milkyas, the Head of the College of Agriculture Library, delivered a welcome speech.

The onboarding training for the new library personnel of Hawassa University’s College of Agriculture commenced with a warm welcome and introduction by Mr. Aser Milkyas, the Head of the College of Agriculture Library. Mr. Aser expressed his gratitude to all participants for their commitment to enhancing their skills and knowledge, which will ultimately benefit the entire academic community. He emphasized the importance of continuous professional development in maintaining high standards of library services. Additionally, Mr. Aser extended his gratitude to Dr. Sintayehu Yigrem, CLIFOOD Project Coordinator, for the support provided to train and integrate the newly assigned library staff to the College library working environment.

Opening Remarks Delivered on Behalf of Dr. Tarekegn Samago, Dean of College of Agriculture:

Dr. Zerihun Demrew, the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at the College of Agriculture, gave the opening speech.

On behalf of Dr. Tarekegn Samago, Dean of the College of Agriculture at Hawassa University, Dr. Zerihun Demrew , Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, College of Agriculture delivered the opening remarks. Dr. Zerihun emphasized the vital role that libraries play in supporting academic and research activities. He extended gratitude to the CLIFOOD Project for sponsoring the training and reaffirmed the initiative taken by Mr. Aser Milkyas , Head the College Library for the realisation of this training dealing with CLIFOOD Project Coordinator.

Dr. Tarekegn Samago, Dean, College of Agriculture, Hawassa University

“Above all, the CLIFOOD Project’s investment in building the capacities of our library staff is a testament to their commitment to strengthening the agricultural knowledge ecosystem in Ethiopia,” said Dr. Tarekegn Samago in his prepared statement. “This training will empower our librarians to better support the teaching, research, and outreach activities of the college, ultimately contributing to the development of climate-smart and inclusive food systems.” by creating conducive working environment in our college library. He encouraged the participants to take full advantage of the training to enhance their professional capabilities.

Goodwill Speech by Dr. Sintayehu Yigrem, CLIFOOD Project Coordinator:

Dr. Sintayehu Yigrem, the CLIFOOD Project Coordinator at Hawassa University, Ethiopia gave a goodwill speech, underscoring the project’s dedication to supporting educational initiatives. Dr. Sintayehu Yigrem expressed his pleasure in seeing the project contribute to the capacity building of the College of Agriculture’s librarians. He spoke about the importance of such training sessions in building a robust academic infrastructure that supports both teaching and research.

Dr. Sintayehu Yigrem, the CLIFOOD Project Coordinator, delivered his goodwill speech at the opening of the onboarding training for the trainees.

“By supporting this onboarding training, the CLIFOOD project is demonstrating its holistic approach to capacity development in the agricultural sector,” said Dr. Sintayehu Yigrem, the CLIFOOD project’s coordinator. “Strengthening the role of academic libraries is vital for fostering knowledge sharing, evidence-based decision-making, and the dissemination of innovative agricultural practices.”

Dr. Sintayehu has highlighted also the significance of not neglecting physical books in favor of exclusively using digital resources, especially within the context of our country. He recounted his experiences from a seminar trip to New York, where he visited the Columbia University Libraries. Renowned as one of the leading academic research libraries in the United States, it offers effective access to both physical books and digital resources, giving them equal precedence.

Highlight About the CLIFOOD Project:

The CLIFOOD Project, a collaborative initiative aimed at addressing food security and improving agricultural practices, has been instrumental in supporting various educational and capacity-building programs. The project focuses on enhancing the skills and knowledge of individuals working in agriculture-related fields, ensuring they are well-equipped to tackle current and future challenges in food production and sustainability. By sponsoring the librarian training, the CLIFOOD Project aims to strengthen the academic resources that support agricultural education and research.

Overview of Training Program:

The onboarding training program for the College of Agriculture library staff, sponsored by the CLIFOOD Project, was designed to provide a comprehensive and structured introduction to modern library management and information services. The program aimed to integrate the Four C’s of onboarding—Compliance, Clarification, Culture, and Connection—into its framework to ensure a holistic development experience for the participants.

1. Compliance: The training included sessions on the professional code of ethics for library workers, legal responsibilities, and organizational policies to ensure that all staff members understand the standards and regulations governing their roles.

2. Clarification: Detailed instruction was provided on job roles, expectations, and advanced library practices, such as digital resource management and advanced cataloging methods. This component aimed to eliminate ambiguities and empower librarians to perform their duties with clarity and confidence.

3. Culture: The training emphasized the importance of the evolving role of libraries in the digital age, fostering a culture of continuous learning and adaptation. Participants were introduced to the mission and values of the College of Agriculture and the CLIFOOD Project, aligning their personal goals with the broader organizational objectives.

4. Connection: Opportunities for networking and collaboration were built into the program, allowing participants to form meaningful connections with colleagues, trainers, and key stakeholders such as Dr. Sintayehu Yigerm, CLIFOOD Project Coordinator. This fostered a sense of community and support among the library staff.

Training Objectives:

1. Enhance Library Management Skills: Equip librarians with techniques to manage library operations efficiently, ensuring compliance with organizational standards.

2. Improve Digital Resource Management: Train staff in the use of basics of digital tools and platforms and managing digital resources, providing clarification on advanced library practices.

3. Foster User Engagement: Teach effective strategies for engaging with library users and enhancing their experience, promoting a user-centered culture.

4. Promote Best Practices: Share best practices in library management and information services to ensure high standards of service delivery and foster continuous learning.

5. Enhance User-Centered Service Delivery: Train librarians in techniques to improve the user experience, ensuring that the library remains a vital and responsive resource for the academic community.

Through this training program, the College of Agriculture library staff have been empowered to enhance their professional capabilities, align their roles with the organization’s mission, and foster a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration.

Invited Expert Trainers:

The training sessions were conducted by a team of seasoned experts, including Mr. Mulugeta Woldetsadik, Librarian/Information Professional, Ms. Asnakech Kassa, Acquistion and Technical Services Head and Ms. Yiftusera Desalegn, Human Resources Officer at Hawassa University. The trainers shared their knowledge and best practices drawn from both local and global experiences, ensuring that the training was relevant and effective for the new librarians at the College of Agriculture.

Feedback from Participants:

Participants of the training program provided overwhelmingly positive feedback. They appreciated the comprehensive coverage of topics tailored to their needs and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals. The participants emphasized the relevance of the training to their daily work and expressed eagerness to apply their new skills and knowledge to improve library services.

Future Directions:

Building on the success of the onboarding training program, future initiatives will continue to focus on enhancing the skills and knowledge of library staff. The CLIFOOD Project, in collaboration with the College of Agriculture, plans to continue supporting the college library to ensure that librarians remain up-to-date with the latest developments in emerging technologies. Ongoing support for capacity building and professional development will also be provided.

Conclusion:

The onboarding training for the new librarians has been a key moment in boosting the collaborative spirit within the college library. Guided by a comprehensive discussion led by the College Library Head, the librarians have pledged to incorporate the innovative ideas and strategies discussed into their daily routines. This commitment to practical application promises to cultivate a lively and dynamic interaction among the staff, which will transform the college library into a more effective and accommodating center for information services. By continuously collaborating with their peers, the new librarians will contribute significantly to the advancement of the library’s mission and to serving the academic community with excellence.

Learn more:

1. CLIFOOD – German-Ethiopian SDG-Graduate School “Climate …
2. CLIFOOD Home
3. Climate change and food security: research seeks new answers – DAAD – Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst
4. CLIFOOD – German-Ethiopian SDG-Graduate School “Climate Change Effects on Food Security”- 21st century Infolibnet
5. Ethiopia – Agriculture Research and Training Project