In an effort to respect the multiple ways students learn, a variety of methods are employed to train student workers. Examples include:
Mentoring and job-shadowing (for Social learners) - New students will often follow or job-shadow their labor supervisor or an experienced student in order to observe, absorb, learn, and ask questions about the work being done in Special Collections.
Self-paced online tutorials (for Visual, Aural, and/or Solitary learners) - Online tutorials have been created to aid in teaching needed skill sets, such as how to navigate BANC and Voyager, or to perform Special Collections-specific tasks. The tutorials combine videos, written text, pictures, and quizzes.
Hands-on training (for Verbal, Logical, and Physical learners) - Hands-on exercises are done during labor meetings and spontaneous one-on-ones with the labor supervisors and coworkers. Having the opportunity to perform new tasks can help cement knowledge and lead to more in-depth understanding of work that needs to be performed.
Outside-training (for Visual, Aural, Physical, and Social learners) - At times, students are provided opportunities to learn from departments and groups from outside Special Collections to enhance their ability to perform their job. For example, students may be cross-trained in Technical Services to learn more about barcoding books and materials.