UM empowers Library staff with career-boosting courses

Although the summer months bring a different rhythm to our Msida campus, the Training & Development Programme at the University of Malta continues actively throughout the season.

As in previous years, during the Library’s annual closure in the first two weeks of August, the Library, in conjunction with Human Resources Management and Development (HRMD) and the Conferences & Events Unit, organises a focused programme of staff training and development.

As a key service point within the University, the Library operates year-round, making it difficult for all staff to attend training simultaneously. This period of closure provides an ideal window for staff to engage in professional development activities away from the demands of public-facing duties.

By focusing on both skill development and wellbeing, this initiative nurtures a stronger, more connected team environment. Staff from various departments have shown enthusiastic participation, with sessions regularly receiving excellent feedback.

The 2025 programme offers a balanced mix of skills-based training, wellness, and cultural enrichment. Among the training being offered this year, there are the following:

• Think Sensory! Practical tips for personal wellness, teaching & learning
  An interactive workshop which introduces the sensory processing functions of the nervous system and offers practical strategies to support self-regulation and overall wellbeing in daily life.
  
  
• Cultural Tour to Birgu
  A guided visit to the Church of St Lawrence, including a viewing of La Valette’s sword—an opportunity to experience Malta’s cultural and historical heritage.
  
  
• Visit to the Notarial Archives
  A behind-the-scenes look at the archival holdings that underpin Malta’s legal and historical records.
  
  
• Delivering Excellent Customer Care (3-day course by MediaCoop)
  This course will focus on:
  Understanding the role of customer care in Library operations
  Exploring the link between service excellence, self-respect, and overall wellbeing
  Building team capacity for collaborative service delivery
  Developing techniques for serving diverse user communities
  Managing interactions with difficult patrons
  
  
• AI and its use in Academic Libraries
  A seminar including presentations and a panel discussion, designed to:
  Introduce the principles and emerging capabilities of Generative AI
  Explore practical tools that support Library operations and services
  Provide hands-on experience with prompt design and interaction
  Share real-life departmental use cases
  Encourage discussion on the ethical and strategic dimensions of AI adoption in academia
  
  
• Responding effectively to students in emotional distress
  A workshop designed to highlight the services available through the University’s Health and Wellness Centre and help staff develop the skills and confidence needed to support students in distress. The session will include practical scenarios, guidance on responding with empathy, and information on key resources such as the Staff Guidelines for Supporting Suicidal and/or Severely Distressed Students.

The August and September training programme reflects the Library’s ongoing commitment to professional growth, staff wellbeing, and the delivery of excellent service to the University community.

Ms Jacqueline Fenech, the Administrative Director of the UM’s Office for Human Resources Management & Development, said that “These sessions are about more than just professional development. They’re about creating space for people to connect, recharge, and grow together. It’s encouraging to see how staff across departments have embraced this initiative, showing that there’s a strong, shared commitment to learning and wellbeing across our community”.

Are you interested in organising staff training initiatives and events within your Department or Faculty? We would be more than happy to help you plan and coordinate relevant sessions tailored to your team’s needs. Feel free to get in touch with us— we’ll be glad to guide you through the process.