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ERIC Number: ED447833
Record Type: RIE
Publication Date: 2000-Jul
Pages: 7
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Strategies for Working with Library Staff Members in Embracing Change Caused by Library Automation.
Shepherd, Murray
This paper begins with a discussion of information management as it pertains to the four operations of automated library systems (i.e., acquisitions, cataloging, circulation, and reference). Library staff reactions to library automation change are summarized, including uncertainty, cynicism, and resignation or hope. Common pitfalls that interfere with the change process are then described, including: poor communication between management, staff, and change agents; unanticipated technical problems; fear of the unknown, uncertainty, and task enlargement or reduction; failure of the new system to meet stated management objectives; and management's failure to understand, anticipate, and prepare for resistance. The following strategies for managing change are offered: (1) understand the objectives of the proposed change; (2) identify and communicate the deficiencies of the existing system; (3) demonstrate how the change will improve the quality of the work performed and/or increase staff efficiency; (4) establish and maintain open channels for communication among mangers, consultants, vendors, systems installation personnel, and staff; (5) encourage and use employee participation; and (6) commit the resources of the library to the change, specifically in the areas of recruitment, training, compensation, and ergonomics. (MES)
For full text: http://educate.lib.chalmers.se/iatul/proceedcontents/qutpap/ shepherd_full.html.
Publication Type: Opinion Papers; Speeches/Meeting Papers
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A
Note: In: Virtual Libraries: Virtual Communities. Abstracts, Fulltext Documents and PowerPoint Presentations of Papers and Demos Given at the International Association of Technological University Libraries (IATUL) Conference (Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, July 3-7, 2000); see IR 057 942.