UKOLN invites proposals for a further eLib supporting study:
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Managing Organisational Change in the Hybrid Library
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Background to study
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.
Terms of Reference
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/>
Sally Criddle
Resource Co-ordinator
UKOLN - The UK Office for Library and Information Networking
University of Bath
Bath, BA2 7AY
Tel: +44(0)1225 826250 E-mail: [log in to unmask]
Fax: +44(0)1225 826838
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