Managing organisational change in the hybrid library

The issues and change factors that are likely to affect libraries in the future as we move towards the provision of more electronic resources and the 'hybrid' library concept, have been well documented. Projects such as IMPEL2 have examined changing organisational structures and strategic issues that necessitate a change in the way libraries are organised and managed. An eLib supporting study managed by the Tavistock Institute examined the impact of eLib activities on cultural change in Higher Education. The study evaluated the eLib programme's success in "achieving cultural changes supportive of the development and uptake of electronic media and network services and their integration in the work contexts of librarians and teaching and research staff".

However, most of these studies have been retrospective or have examined current practice. It is suggested that a study is needed that looks forward beyond the present and tries to anticipate the changes that will shape the future and that will initiate development towards this future. It is suggested that the study should involve a broad cross-section of stakeholders and look to identify common ground between them as well as develop action points through which the outcomes of the study can be implemented and taken forward. There is scope for the study to examine all services with an active interest or involvement/stake in the study area.

The study should examine the wider management and organisational changes required for the future. It has been suggested that a workshop should be held as part of the study process, where the views and ideas of chief librarians can be explored. The workshop would then be followed up with further investigative work. A final report would be produced.

The study

The study should address the following areas:

• Identify the issues that are likely to necessitate change in libraries, from the point of view of all stakeholders within services in the study area.
• Suggest future management/organisational scenarios which take into account the effects of these changes.
• Identify the significant problems that libraries will face moving towards this future.
• How are libraries currently evolving to cope with the changes that have been identified?
• Identify actions necessary to take forward changes needed.

Some of the issues that the study should cover include:

Institutional issues: management and organisation

Strategic issues - information strategies, encompassing communication, teaching and learning issues

• Commitment from the top
• Responsibility for network developments- the split between LIS and Computer Centres
• Convergence
• Management culture: the shift to empowerment
• Structures - from hierarchy to teams
• Managing change: communications, job descriptions, etc

Institutional issues: personnel matters

• Staff development and training in new roles
• Professional/non-professional barriers blurring (upskilling etc)
• Role of the subject specialist in the context of modular courses, interdisciplinarity, complex information resources
• Fear of hidden agendas (convergence = cost cutting rather than reorganisation)
• Uncertainty (links to management of change)

Institutional issues: end users

• Changes in student population: less homogenous, more part time
• Greater responsibility for own learning
• Remote users

External environment

• Moving from physical place to virtual access
• Financial constraints
• Accountability
• Subject review
• Research Assessment Exercise

Funding

The total cost of the study is expected to be under 7,000 pounds (including VAT if applicable).

Proposal requirements

Proposals should:

• Outline methodologies, timescales and deliverables,
• Itemise resources required to carry out the study, with costs,
• Indicate skills and expertise of the applicant.

Evaluation

Proposals will be evaluated by referees. The following criteria will be used for evaluation purposes:

• Demonstration of understanding of the issues (including technical),
• Demonstration of ability to carry out the work required by the required deadline,
• The proposer's experience and track record of carrying out similar work,
• Sound methodology,
• Appropriate use of resources.

Publication

The final report will be published in conjunction with eLib. Reports should be delivered in an appropriate electronic format, to be agreed with UKOLN. Proposers should be prepared to assign publication rights (including electronic) for the study to JISC, or its nominee.

Timescale

Proposals should be submitted by midday on Friday 13 November 1998. Four hard copies of the proposal should be sent to Sally Criddle at UKOLN.

The draft report will be required by 31 May 1999.

Contact

Queries should be directed to Sally Criddle at UKOLN.

Information about eLib supporting studies is available at <URL: http://www.ukoln.ac.uk/dlis/models/studies/>