Training in teamwork in British university libraries

Presents the findings of research that aimed to develop a better understanding of the skills required in teamwork in British university libraries and the best ways of developing these skills. The fieldwork for the project used a qualitative approach and interviews were conducted with members of a sample of teams from four “new” university libraries. The teams studied were found to be leader focused and the most frequently cited examples of good teamwork tended to depend on attitudes rather than skills. Communication was seen as a key skill, but task centred skills such as decision making were more important in working parties than in permanent teams. Suggested areas for attention include leadership training, staff selection, communication with part‐timers and the skills of open communication. Three of the four libraries had provided training in teamwork. Participants’ reactions to this are considered and tentative comment is offered on such matters as the relevance and objectives of training and the value of training for individual teams.