West Virginia University Libraries migrated to a new ILS and reorganized technical services during FY 2015-16. These technological and organizational changes transformed technical service operations, especially ordering receiving workflows, which led to cultural changes throughout technical services and in collection development activities.
In addition to the myriad incremental changes that normal tech service operations face, WVU experienced the technological and organizational transformation that arose out of moving to a next gen ILS in a networked community system, resulting in the merging of copy cataloging activities with acquisitions. This had a significant impact on print ordering and receiving operations. Additionally, loading of MARC records for electronic resources was replaced by simply maintaining the new knowledge base, which is fully integrated with the new discovery system.
Following on the heels of these changes, cultural changes have filtered throughout the unit and collaborations with subject liaisons. The new organizational structure, reporting lines and duties in a new system have led to more participation, collaboration, and accountability within technical services. External to the unit, collection development has shifted to allocations by college and subject, allowing librarians to have larger input to resources in their areas.
The objectives of this session are to increase attendees' understanding of:
- the difference between incremental and transformational change
- the various drivers for transformational change, and
- how to prepare for, continue through, and move past large changes that affect technology, organization, and culture.
Audience will participate in polls in order to compare with other organizations.
