Abstract
The Olin Library at Rollins College is a 2013 winner of the ACRL Excellence in Academic Libraries Award. In May 2012, the Library’s new Collections and Systems (C&S) Department began reorganizing from being two separate units—rethinking roles, workflows, and procedures. A small department with a wide range of responsibilities, C&S has four staff and three librarian positions, doing everything from acquisitions to systems to interlibrary loan. We will talk about how the department has focused on mutual respect as the basis for full collaboration in merging two departments, flattening the reporting structure, completely redefining some positions, streamlining workflows, literally breaking down walls, and establishing a highly flexible department that will adapt as resources change. We invite anyone interested in reorganizing technical and digital services—especially but not only in small libraries—to come and share your own ideas and experiences about making sure all the employees are leading change together. We will share what works for us, and, in an open and informal discussion, we want to hear what works for you and/or ideas you would love to try.
Rompiendo Barreras: Reorganizing Technical and Digital Services in a Small Academic Library
The Olin Library at Rollins College is a 2013 winner of the ACRL Excellence in Academic Libraries Award. In May 2012, the Library’s new Collections and Systems (C&S) Department began reorganizing from being two separate units—rethinking roles, workflows, and procedures. A small department with a wide range of responsibilities, C&S has four staff and three librarian positions, doing everything from acquisitions to systems to interlibrary loan. We will talk about how the department has focused on mutual respect as the basis for full collaboration in merging two departments, flattening the reporting structure, completely redefining some positions, streamlining workflows, literally breaking down walls, and establishing a highly flexible department that will adapt as resources change. We invite anyone interested in reorganizing technical and digital services—especially but not only in small libraries—to come and share your own ideas and experiences about making sure all the employees are leading change together. We will share what works for us, and, in an open and informal discussion, we want to hear what works for you and/or ideas you would love to try.