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The purpose of this column is to express a viewpoint about stackable micro-credentials in the library profession.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this column is to express a viewpoint about stackable micro-credentials in the library profession.
Design/methodology/approach
This is an opinion piece.
Findings
There are no formal research findings.
Originality/value
This is an original viewpoint.
Details
Keywords
Merging library traffic from dispersed service points into a combined services desk is not new, and many reasons prompt this move. George Mason University, Virginia’s largest…
Abstract
Purpose
Merging library traffic from dispersed service points into a combined services desk is not new, and many reasons prompt this move. George Mason University, Virginia’s largest public research institution, combined a total of 10 service desks located in four libraries on three distributed campuses. To consolidate services and reduce costs, the Mason Libraries established a “one-stop” service point in each library. With the goal of “one-stop” service point in each facility, the Mason Libraries recrafted physical spaces, reviewed policies, procedures, and workflows as well as revised staff roles and responsibilities.
Methodology/approach
This chapter explores why institutions embark on redesigning the traditional library service desk; discusses how changing service needs impact desk space; and addresses the effect on public services personnel. Observations are based on highlights from the evolution of George Mason University Libraries’ goal of a “one-stop” service point in each library to provide more efficient and consistent user-focused interactions and services.
Findings
As a manager of one of the facilities, the author provides insights on achieving a “one-stop” service point.
Originality/value
This chapter considers library staff needs, in concert with internal effort to not only refine user services influencing changes, but also revisit policies, procedures, and workflows to align staff roles and responsibilities. Mason Libraries is one of a few university library systems trying to implement single service points in all libraries.
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Keywords
The purpose of this paper is to discuss that development and recognition of human capital is a shared responsibility reflecting a delicate balance with employees on one side and…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to discuss that development and recognition of human capital is a shared responsibility reflecting a delicate balance with employees on one side and the organization on the other. Conveying the message that employees matter, are valued contributors and will be rewarded improves morale, builds trust and expands opportunities for growth, through challenging assignments, improving performance and furthering skill development.
Design/methodology/approach
The typical organizational structure in a library is made up of three key components: formal reporting relationships, the identification of groupings of individuals into departments or teams and the design of systems that ensures effective communication, coordination and integration of efforts across units. What steps can a library administrator take to reimagine and implement a responsive rewards system?
Findings
There are five recommendations for library administrators to develop and implement a rewards system.
Originality/value
New thought piece on this topic.
Details
Keywords
– The purpose of this study is to share insightful comments about the importance of librarians participating in external grant process.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to share insightful comments about the importance of librarians participating in external grant process.
Design/methodology/approach
Opinion and literature review.
Findings
Suggested readings listed.
Originality/value
Original column.
Details
Keywords
– This is a regular thought-provoking column.
Abstract
Purpose
This is a regular thought-provoking column.
Design/methodology/approach
Thoughts with suggested references for more information.
Findings
Lots more to learn.
Originality/value
New thoughts this quarter.
Details
Keywords
The purpose of this column is to explain the importance of succession planning. Departures of retiring employees and colleagues moving to another workplace can have significant…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this column is to explain the importance of succession planning. Departures of retiring employees and colleagues moving to another workplace can have significant consequences on the organization. A well-designed and coordinated succession plan that is integrated with leadership development can enable the library administrator to avoid reliance on a replacement process that is narrowly focused on finding a new version of the departed colleague. Selecting the most qualified and well-prepared candidate for a leadership position is a critical decision because of its paramount impact on current and future activities. The library or information center benefits when transitions and professional development become opportunities to embed succession planning into the organizational culture.
Design/methodology/approach
The column is an opinion piece based on literature review.
Findings
A well-designed and coordinated succession plan that is integrated with leadership development can enable the library administrator to avoid reliance on a replacement process that is narrowly focused on finding a new version of the departed colleague.
Originality/value
This is an original article with perspectives not frequently found in library literature.
Details
Keywords
Technical services librarians, catalogers and metadata specialists serve as the integral managers of comprehensive integrated systems designed to facilitate the ingestion…
Abstract
Purpose
Technical services librarians, catalogers and metadata specialists serve as the integral managers of comprehensive integrated systems designed to facilitate the ingestion, annotation, cataloging, storage, retrieval and distribution of organized, discoverable resources. Yet, despite the escalating costs to upgrade integrated library systems, maintain authority control for name and subject heading points of access and create original surrogate records for new library resources, technical services departments did not grow.
Design/methodology/approach
The goal of sharing metadata is to reduce the local cost of its creation with minimal changes. However, research suggests that catalogers and metadata specialists review and authenticate the standards-compliant work of others, thus negating the goal of sharing and increasing the cost of building and maintaining online catalogs and discovery tools. How can a library administrator encourage the acceptance of metadata created at other information organizations and make prudent investments to support technical services functions?
Findings
There are four strategies that administrators can adopt regarding these issues.
Research limitations/implications
All libraries can benefit from considering the four strategies.
Practical implications
First, cultivate a robust community of practice within the information organization. Second, recognize the importance of accepting standards-compliant bibliographic metadata with few modifications. Third, provide opportunities for managers to become skilled at coaching their team members. Fourth, inspire confidence.
Social implications
Librarianship is a profession that an individual enters through graduate education in library and information science. As a new entrant, an individual becomes of a member of the community of practice and assumes personal responsibility for learning and mastering technical skills and competencies through experience, mentoring, professional development and continued actions (or tasks) comprising activities situated in a library or information environment.
Originality/value
This is an original opinion piece.
Details
Keywords
Evaluating a situation and circumstance to make a decision is an essential managerial skill. Experienced managers can use nudging to influence decisions that subordinate and embed…
Abstract
Purpose
Evaluating a situation and circumstance to make a decision is an essential managerial skill. Experienced managers can use nudging to influence decisions that subordinate and embed the practice within the institution as a learning organization. Adopting a nudge theory perspective changes the workplace environment, so that individuals make decisions that are helpful to themselves for job satisfaction and professional growth as well as positive for the organization. Research suggests that nudging has positive results that contribute to increased productivity, higher morale and decreased expenses.
Design/methodology/approach
This is an opinion piece.
Findings
This is an opinion piece.
Research limitations/implications
This is not a research article.
Practical implications
Administrators can use the recommendations in this column.
Social implications
Administrators can use the recommendations in this column.
Originality/value
This is an original viewpoint.
Details
Keywords
The purpose of this column is to examine the onboarding process and its importance for new hires. A well-designed and coordinated onboarding process assimilates new employees into…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this column is to examine the onboarding process and its importance for new hires. A well-designed and coordinated onboarding process assimilates new employees into the organization and equips them with the tools and resources needed for professional and personal success.
Design/methodology/approach
Recognizing the importance of prudent expenditures within tight budgets, decreasing the time and money for new hires can result in reduced duplication of efforts, accelerating the time to productivity and increasing the satisfaction levels and retention potential among new employees.
Findings
The column highlights five steps that a library administrator can take to design and implement an effective onboarding process.
Originality/value
Original opinion piece.
Details