Sweeping innovations in publishing models, shifts from print to electronic, and the expanding impact of consortia alliances have transformed technical services operations in academic libraries. Work of technical services units is transitioning from daily assignment of routine work by supervisors, to a dynamic and shifting project-based operation where both staff and management input is crucial to the success of the unit. The new environment requires all staff to actively engage in decision-making as part of a team of colleagues and managers, using evaluation, synthesis, and prioritization to meet project and operational goals. This presentation highlights activities Eastern Washington University Libraries’ Collection Services unit implemented to involve and empower its classified staff in decision-making and priority-setting in order to drive innovation and change within the unit and library-wide. Activities included redesigning physical space, instituting summer retreats, establishing unit ground rules, and ensuring classified staff involvement in hiring. These activities laid the groundwork for a more collaborative and empowered team of paraprofessional and professional staff able to successfully anticipate and adapt to the rapidly evolving academic library environment. Following the panel presentation, the panelists will facilitate small group discussions with attendees in order to brainstorm engagement opportunities at attendees’ institutions.
Session goals: Build awareness of changes in library technical services and their impact on organizational management Learn about activities one academic library’s technical services unit implemented in order to increase collaboration and empowerment
Investigate potential engagement activities that could be implemented at attendees’ libraries
