Courtesy of Grambling State University
The Grambling State University Digital Library and Learning Commons has partnered with Skilltype to modernize talent and organizational development at the 120-year old institution. Launched in 2020 in response to the shift to remote work and online conferences, Skilltype enables personalized professional development for Grambling’s employees while producing real-time talent insights for administrators across the organization. Grambling State’s Digital Library and Learning Commons is the first Historically Black College or University (HBCU) to adopt Skilltype for talent management.
The Skilltype partnership is a part of a broader institutional investment into digitizing all campus operations. In 2019, GSU embarked on a first-of-its-kind construction project to build a fully born-digital library from the ground up. With the Digital Library and Learning Commons slated to open in Spring 2022, the library administration is seeking to bring its organizational development into the 21st century in preparation for the new service models and offerings being introduced by becoming a bookless operation.
“Being on the cutting edge of new and emerging technologies is a primary focus at Grambling State University,” said President Rick Gallot. “As we continue to expand our digital footprint in cybersecurity, cloud computing, and other technologies, these types of partnerships play a critical role in maintaining our position as a leader in digital innovation.”
Adrienne C. Webber, Dean of the Digital Library and Learning Commons at Grambling State University, says, “Partnering with Skilltype continuously prepares the entire library staff, inclusive of the leadership training opportunities, to meet the rigors in the information profession. Tony Zanders and his Skilltype team have thought of everything in resource training, from planning and practical user service experience to the dynamic use of library resources. Through this endeavor, Grambling State University Digital Library and Learning Commons and Skilltype will create information access experiences!”
Grambling’s library employees will receive personalized learning plans to help improve internal mobility as the institution continues evolving its services to meet the expectations of patrons and researchers. Thousands of on-demand training, presentations, and professional development resources from trusted conferences, professional associations, and vendors are made available to staff members for the first time, helping to improve equity at Grambling while creating more diverse audiences for conferences and training providers.
“Being raised by a Grambling Tiger, I’ve always admired the rich history of this institution both for our family, community, and state,” says Tony Zanders, founder, and CEO at Skilltype. “Dean Webber and President Gallot have a compelling vision for the future of libraries, archives, and HBCUs to be data-driven pillars providing students with 21st-century skills and knowledge. I’m honored to play a small part in helping theory staff bring that vision to life.”
