Our second article, Beyond Duties: Embedding Core Values and Competencies in Job Descriptions, appears in the July/August 2025 issue of Public Libraries Magazine. Co-authored by Beth Hatch of Upper Arlington Public Library and Mark Fiala of Organizational Architecture, the article explores how libraries—and all organizations—can create stronger, more effective job descriptions by integrating core values and behavioral competencies alongside traditional job duties.
Grounded in our experience with workforce strategy and talent development, the article outlines a framework for moving beyond what work is done to also address how it should be done, ensuring better hiring decisions, performance alignment, and cultural cohesion.
Here are a few highlights from the article:
- Why Competencies Matter: Embedding both technical and behavioral competencies into job descriptions creates clarity and promotes accountability across all levels of the organization.
- Aligning with Culture: Defining competencies based on your organization’s mission, vision, and values helps ensure that new hires and current staff embody the attitudes and behaviors you want to reinforce.
- Improving Hiring and Development: Using defined competencies in interviews and performance management creates consistency in expectations, assessment, and feedback.
- Proficiency Levels: Establishing different levels of competency—from basic to advanced—helps tailor expectations by role and supports career growth.
- Refining Over Time: Competencies aren’t static. The article outlines how to evaluate, update, and align them with changing organizational priorities.
Read the full article here or in Public Libraries Magazine to learn more about how this approach can benefit your organization.
If your library is looking to refresh job descriptions, build a performance management framework, or align culture and competencies, we’d love to talk. Contact us and check out our updates for more helpful resources.