Organizing for change at Uppsala University Library

Abstract

Uppsala University library is one of the largest in Sweden with a wide range of specialties and subjects. In the last 18 month the library has gone through a re-organization with the aim to make the library more united. The re-organization meant that eleven library units were merged into five, and three processes were introduced; Media and Collections, Study- and Research Support and Information Services. The change is among the most comprehensive that the 400-year-old library has undergone.

The re-organization and the three processes have started a chain reaction of changes, both in the day-to-day work, in collaboration and in decision making. Within the processes, three organizational development projects: the digitization workflow, new working methods in library instruction and management of the virtual reference desk has been finished. Large working groups with representatives from concerned departments worked with the mapping and development of new solutions and ways to work. The groups used scenarios, process modeling, pilot studies and other methods to create a creative and open discussion. One important objective has been to include concerned groups in the process and to take time to gain acceptance for the change. This has meant a slower pace of change, but has also been a part of the success. The use of different methods and active working groups has sparked a new energy into the organization.

This paper will describe the methods used for change management in the organization and in developing new solutions to meet the needs of library users.