Training manual examples
Here are examples of two different formats of the same training manual.
Example 1: based on the training checklist
This manual is used during on-the-job training and is available for reviewing between training sessions. This format is based on the checklist, which consists of a lists of tasks/skills to be taught, with extra columns where the trainer date and signs as the trainee progresses through the checklist.
| Discharge of returned items
(Policy: Returns) |
|---|
Function of desk
|
Setting screen up for discharging
Handout: Printout of discharging screen |
Discharging books
Handout: OSH guidelines for discharge. |
Comment: This format works well in the on-the-job training situation where step-by-step instructions are given for fairly simple tasks. As it follows the checklist it makes reviewing easy while training is ongoing. Illustrations are difficult to incorporate in the text, which have been handled as handouts to overcome this restriction. Some of the handouts lend themselves to appendices, such as the 'OSH guidelines' in the example. Since this manual has only three main sections with all the handouts filed after each section, it is still easy to handle, especially with the detailed index in the front of the manual. If it had more sections, then this format would be cumbersome to use. Although a detailed index would enhance its reference value in the workplace, this isn't the ideal format to use for future reference.
Example 2: Text book style manual
Discharge of returned items
- Introduction:
All returned items are handled at this desk. When borrowers return their items, the items are discharged, resulting in the removing of the items form the borrower's record. Once the discharging is done, the displayed message will indicate what must be done with the discharged item.
- Setting screen up for discharging:
Discharging is done in Circulation Services (no. 2 on the main Circulation menu). To set the system up for disharging type in '2' at the command prompt (indicated by '>>'). Different commands will be displayed on the Circulation Services screen.
Illustration: Circulation Services screen.
To display the discharge screen type 'DI' at the command prompt. The date for discharging will be displayed and the system is now ready for discharging items.
Illustration: Discharge screen.
- Discharging books
Before discharging check that the settings of the scanner are correct: It must be set on 'discharge' and the sensitiser must be switched on.
Illustration: Scanner set up for discharging books
Stack books face down to a maximum height of 20 cm. Be careful to stack the books in a way that will prevent injuries - see the Occupational Safety & Health (OSH) guidelines (Appendix 1, p--). Slide the book past the scanner to wand in the barcode number of the book. Read the message on the screen and place the discharged book in the appropriate place.
Comment: This is the more traditional format which most people are familiar with. The illustrations are at the appropriate places which makes it easy to follow the text. The text tend to be 'wordier' than in the succint bulleted style of the previous example. This format is good for future reference in the work place. It is also suited for describing more complex tasks and concepts. To assist navigation a detailed index is essential, especially when it contains a lot of sections.