Staff and change

[Avrum Shepard]

Money, challenge, and feedback are key motivators.  It doesn't have to be a
lot of money, but some additional amount works wonders.  We paid a teacher
an extra $4,000.00 to serve as the technology integrator for my son's high
school (we got a grant to provide the money).  The volunteer had a little
previous experience with computers.  He became very enthusiastic about the
additional responsibilities and that caught on with the other teachers.
It's a slow process, but you have to motivate people and remember that they
fear change.  I think the major fears are that technology will replace them
and that they won't be able to understand it.  Give them time to adapt and
show them how and where technology can help them.  Let them know right away
when they've had some success.
 
>About two weeks ago, I asked for advice from other libraries, especially 
>public libraries, that had dealt successfully with the staff resistance and 
>panic that comes with a period of rapid and constant technological change. 
>I have been underwelmed by responses, so I'll change the question:
>
>If you have encountered staff resistance to technological change, what did 
>you do to help them cope and motivate them to continue learning?   I'm 
>interested in what worked, what didn't, and anything in between.
>
>You may reply to my address if you prefer: nmclees at ezonline.com
>
>Thank you.
>
>Nancy McLees
>Electronic Resources Librarian
>Dauphin Co. Library System
>
>