2019 Charleston Library Conference

Every library has had their share of successful and not-so-successful initiatives. The key to navigating a successfully implemented initiative begins with a well-crafted roadmap, providing stakeholders turn-by-turn directions throughout the planning, implementation, and maintenance stages. In this moderated panel session, Rachel Fleming, Collections Initiatives Librarian at UTC; Johan Tilstra, founder of Lean Library; and Sandy Srivastava, Electronic Resources Librarian at SNHU, share their insights on designing and implementing successful roadmaps, highlighting their experiences, best practices, and lessons learned along the way.

• Charting the course. Walk with us through the roadmap-making process. This early planning stage involves project justification, securing funding, identifying stakeholders, developing key partnerships, and assessing other “road” conditions. Rachel Fleming will share the UTC Library’s approach to revving up for the roadmap process from the collection development perspective at a midsized institution, supporting new and expanding academic programs and a variety of initiatives, including affordability.

• Getting on the road. With our map close at hand, it’s time to put the plan into action. We’ll discuss how to jump-start installation, check under the hood for system readiness, and ramp up to full implementation, pinpointing factors that facilitate success. Johan Tilstra will detail how Lean Library uses upfront communication and open dialogue to collaborate with customers in an effort to ensure a smooth implementation, even when detours happen.

• Maintaining cruising speed. The time has come to transition to consistent road readiness. Keep your initiative running smoothly for the long haul by incorporating targeted training for various “drivers,” paving the way for adoption into learning technologies, and performing routine maintenance checks over time. Sandhya Srivastava will describe how the Shapiro Library merges strategic innovative services, instructional outreach, and professional development opportunities for patrons into the roadmap process to ensure the long-term success of new resource initiatives after implementation.