Core Competencies

Ohio Public Library Core Competencies

The Ohio Public Library Core Competencies are carefully selected lists of skills necessary for public library staff members to be successful in their work. The Core Competencies are useful in creating job descriptions, hiring and evaluating staff, and selecting training opportunities that help staff develop or enhance specific skills. In addition, the Core Competencies can help you strengthen your areas of expertise. Every educational event sponsored by the OLC includes Core Competencies that will be addressed, making it easier for you to identify programming that will improve your skills, enhance your knowledge, and further your career.

Complete Core Competencies
Excel Spreadsheet w/ competencies tabs
Download and customize for your library.

Complete Document (PDF, 44 pages)

Summary (PDF, 7 pages)

Abbreviations | PDF

Competencies by Track (PDFs)
Tracks represent the varied roles of library staff (library staff may find their job duties reflected in more than one track).

Core Competency Abbreviations
All OLC training sessions cite the primary competency addressed by the program. Use this information to select sessions that will develop or enhance specific skills. The abbreviations for the competencies are listed below:

ACQ: Acquisition

ADP: Adaptability

ADV: Advocacy

BLG: Building Management

CMD: Cataloging and Metadata

CLM: Collection Management

COM: Communication

ENG: Community Engagement

CNG: Contracts and Negotiation

CTS: Customer Service

DEL: Delegation

EMP: Emergency Preparedness

EDI: Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

TEC: Essential Technology Skills

ETH: Ethics

FAC: Facilitation

FCS: Facilities

FIS: Fiscal Operations

FUN: Fundraising

INN: Innovation

INF: Intellectual Freedom

LAW: Laws

LDS: Leadership

MAR: Marketing

OGA: Organizational Awareness

PAR: Organizational Partnerships

PAW: Patron Awareness

PIN: Patron Instruction

ORG: Personal Organization

PER: Personnel Management

POL: Policies and Procedures

PRS: Problem Solving

PRC: Processing

PRG: Programming

PRM: Project Management

RAD: Reader’s Advisory

RMG: Records Management

REF: Reference

SAF: Safety and Security

STF: Staff Development

STP: Strategic Planning

TWK: Teamwork

TIS: Technology Infrastructure Support