Evaluating the Staffing of an Interlibrary Loan Unit: An Exercise in Data-Driven Decision Making and Debunking "Anecdata"

The former Head of Access Services of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Library reports on the recent attempt to restructure the interlibrary loan unit of the department. Reviewing workflows, data reports, technology use, and staff assignments precipitated staffing changes that allowed the...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of access services Vol. 11; no. 3; pp. 150 - 158
Main Author: Harris, Colleen S.
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: Binghamton Routledge 03.07.2014
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Subjects:
Ability
data
Data analysis
Decision making
Habits
Handles
Interlibrary loan
Interlibrary loans
Libraries
library management
Library staff
Loans
Perception
Reorganization
Scheduling
Staffing
Students
Workflow
Workflow software
ISSN:1536-7967, 1536-7975
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:The former Head of Access Services of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Library reports on the recent attempt to restructure the interlibrary loan unit of the department. Reviewing workflows, data reports, technology use, and staff assignments precipitated staffing changes that allowed the Library to become more efficient and to reallocate librarian time to library areas in need of greater support due to changing workflows across the organization. The greatest challenges proved to be moving beyond unfounded perception (or "anecdata") when making decisions, determining staff members' skill strengths and weaknesses, and changing established work habits. Short-term benefits included improved workflows, improved ability to handle absences and student worker scheduling, and reduced staff stress.
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ISSN:1536-7967
1536-7975
DOI:10.1080/15367967.2014.914425