Building new foundations for Macquarie University’s new Library : why the people count more than the concrete

Abstract

This case study continues the documentation of the long-term, transformational change strategies begun at Macquarie University Library in 2006 and presented to the last ASLR Conference in 2007. During 2005/06 we improved the design of jobs and structure to build a more flexible Library. These changes were implemented during 2006/07, supported by extensive training and new approaches to planning, team building, performance monitoring and governance. This paper examines the outcomes of the 2006/07 strategy and the lessons learned. Then it describes how we are leveraging the building of a completely new University Library to build a new library culture, service philosophy and organisational structure based on an agreed set of values. We will describe the planning, staff and client engagement strategies we have been using in our Strategic Planning and Library 2010 Service Innovation Programs to facilitate these outcomes. In the words of your theme song for ASLR2010 – “What a glorious feelin’ – we’re restructuring again!” – but this time in the context of a whole new beginning for Macquarie University and its Library.