In the networked institution, there are needs and opportunities to rethink the roles of multiple libraries and multiple service points within the same library.
Many libraries are establishing new kinds of spaces where library reference and consultation services are offered jointly with information technology support. At the same time, responding to changing usage patterns of in-person reference services, some libraries are combining service points (eliminating format-driven service points) and shifting resources to online reference service and tutorials.
Also changing is the role of the branch or departmental library. While access to information and library services is far less geographically based, branch and departmental libraries still play a role in the development of community and serve as sites for collaboration. In some branch libraries, different staffing patterns may be warranted.
This discussion session will present an opportunity for information sharing about steps that are being taken in libraries to work with library users to understand these changes and to help the staff involved in these changes to understand, accept, and perform well in this changed environment. Questions that may be raised include:
What are the most effective techniques for working with library users to understand these changes? What kind of staff development programs work best to support staff when they are deployed into an integrating library operation? Or, when they assume a responsibility that crosses organizational boundaries, such as that of the faculty or information technology centers?
For example, cross training? mentoring programs? promoting team operations to advance collaborative projects? other?
Have organizational structures and systems or library personnel classification schemes changed to reflect the changes required of staff?
How is the library assessing the performance of such new service operations and of the individuals involved in staffing them?