Two Libraries, One Plan: Combining and Refining Technical Services Across Two Campuses

Abstract

The Libraries of Kenyon College and Denison University, supported by a Mellon Foundation grant, have collaboratively redesigned and merged their technical services departments into one combined unit, through the creation of a joint department of Collection Services. As members of the Five Colleges of Ohio and OhioLINK consortia, both libraries have a long standing history of cooperation. This venture, however, takes cooperation to a new level of collaboration by merging one department within two distinct libraries, geographically separated on two campuses. This presentation will be geared towards providing valuable insight to other libraries who might be considering new ventures in collaboration and work redesign. Key elements of this unique plan will be highlighted, such as staff empowerment and redefined workflows, while the focus of the presentation will be on the process undertaken in planning and implementing the redesign project. Recognizing that successful reorganization at this level is not a given, the presenters will include a frank discussion of both the keys to success, as well as those things that have been bumps in the road, so that others may anticipate both the challenges and rewards of rethinking the role of technical services within our libraries.