VA Library Network (VALNET) Orientation Program

Learning is guided by the VA “Mentoring Manual” which is a 50-page manual listing all of the topics that need to be covered in detail by the instructor. Each of the eight manual chapters cover one of the following:

Department of Veterans Affairs Organization

• Supporting Material
• VA Medical Center Management
• Positions and Services
• Medical Center Management
• VA Administrative Functions
• VHA Program Offices

Fiscal, Contracting, and Supply Chain Management

• Supporting Materials
• IFCAP users’ guides
• VHA Records Control Schedule, 10-1

Human Resources

• Supporting Material

Management

• Supporting Material

Reports and Reviews

Education

Services to Veterans

• Supporting Material

Library Operations

• Recurring Deadlines
• Supporting Material
• National Library of Medicine Websites of Interest
• Acronyms and Abbreviation Resources
• Useful Websites

Instruction takes place with an assigned mentor over TEAMS with the mentee, at a schedule that is mutually acceptable to all parties.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of the Orientation Program, the new manager will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the following areas: the Department of Veterans Affairs organizational structure; the structure, function, and significance of the VA Library Network (VALNET); VA fiscal structure including planning, requesting and tracking resources to exercise fiscal accountability; VA acquisition and materiel management regulations, including technical processing and contracting; VA human resources policies and procedures; required reports, evaluative bodies and criteria including establishing and maintaining management information systems; educational resources available; the role of libraries in information management; the medical center management team including participating in all phases from planning through evaluation with an emphasis on change; and the operation of the VA library.

Agenda

DAY ONE

8:00 – 9:30 Department of Veterans Affairs
9:30 – 9:45 Break
9:45 – 11:30 Fiscal Management
11:30 – 12:00 Lunch
12:00 – 2:00 Acquisitions and Materiel Management
2:00 – 2:15 Break
2:15 – 4:15 Human Resources Management
4:15 – 4:30 Daily wrap-up

DAY TWO

8:00 – 10:00 General Management
10:00 – 10:15 Break
10:15 – 11:30 Reports and Reviews
11:30 – 12:00 Lunch
12:00 – 1:00 Education
1:00 – 2:00 Information Management
2:00 – 2:15 Break
2:15 – 4:15 Library Programs and Services
4:15 – 4:30 Daily wrap-up

DAY THREE

8:00 – 10:00 Library Programs and Services (continued)
10:00 – 10:15 Break
10:15 – 12:00 Discussion and overall wrap-up

MLA CE Credits: 19