Retention–After Hiring Then What?

SUMMARY

This article will use the student retention model as a starting place for designing a new science librarian retention program. Retention programs are common in other areas of university life, especially for retaining first-year students. Retention programs demonstrate a commitment and interest by the institution; they send a message to the new students-you are important to us. Why not send the same message to new hires? In building a retention program for science librarians, these student retention programs can serve as models; they can be a good starting place. As with students, it is cheaper to retain library staff already on campus than to recruit new ones. The library saves money with less recruiting and training. The new science librarian becomes acculturated, learns the curricula, the faculty, and becomes a valuable team member with connections to the library and institution.

Key Words:

• Student retention program
• acculturation
• commitment
• orientation
• training
• science librarians
• training plans
• employee attrition