Change? You bet. Some segments of the library world focus on the difficulties of changing library services and systems. Jane focuses on those who ARE changing — who are progressing positively and persistently. This is a photo of how Ryerson University Library is using QR codes for students to download for an audio tour of the Library. At OLA 2011 Superconference, Jane moderated Change Management: A View from our Colleagues, featuring the evolving and effective changes underway at Ryerson University and the UK House of Commons Libraries.
Jane first wrote about John Pullinger’s leadership at the United Kingdom’s House of Commons’ Library in Summer 2010. Since assuming his position as Director General, John has focused on creating a unified service for Members and the public. His sphere of responsibility includes the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology, the Parliamentary Webcentre, the House of Commons Media and Communications Service, the Parliamentary Education Service, Parliamentary Visitor Services, the House of Commons Information Office and the Curator’s Office. As John says, “The key thing we have is the ability to build a relationship with each Member of Parliament….tailor our services for their specific needs….” To raise Member awareness of the services they write to each individual Member as soon as they arrive at the House of Commons, and go to the places where Members congregate to introduce themselves.
John couldn’t attend the conference and was kind enough to forward this video for the session:
Madeleine Lefebvre, Chief Librarian; Sonny Banerjee, Librarian, Library Learning Services; Weina Wang, Head, Borrowing & Lending Services
and Mandi Arlain, Circulation Services Supervisor described the staff collaboration and contribution to changes at Ryerson. Like John, Madeleine assumed her position there a few years ago. Her approach can be best described as sensitively strategic. From an external review through to the development of a visionary strategic plan and on to a staff-developed organizational structure Madeleine’s focus has blended respect for the Library’s situation with urgency to align with the University’s growth and directions. Here’s their presentation:
In reference to the embedded video above, would it be possible to enable this for public consumption? I was able to view it when I first received the link from a colleague and wanted to share it with my team within the library here at Riverside College. I found your experiences facinating and a great example of a service that has thrived from being user focused and driven, If this can’t be released for public consumption, is there any other way I can get to see it again?
HI Neil –
Let me have a look at this & get back to you. Thanks for viewing.
Rebecca
HI Neil –
I’ve fixed the link so you should be able to view the video now. Thanks for letting us know!