The Association of Research Libraries (ARL) has published Reconfiguring Service Delivery, SPEC Kit 327, which investigates whether and how ARL member libraries have reconfigured staffed service delivery points in the main library and in any branches that report to the main library.
SPEC Kit 327 explores whether service points and/or branches have been added, closed, or consolidated; the drivers for those decisions; the impacts on staff; the changes in delivery methods; and whether there have been any collaborations with other institutions or consortia, or outsourcing of service delivery. It also looks at user involvement in the planning for service changes and whether the effectiveness of new service configurations has been assessed.
The survey used a case study approach to reveal developing patterns, unique applications, and anticipated changes in the physical or organisational arrangement of service delivery that may be widely adaptable in other libraries so that they can continue to be the primary information providers for their constituents.
This SPEC Kit includes documentation from respondents that describes the service philosophy, services offered, planning process and communications about service changes. Also included are floorplans and images of redesigned spaces. The table of contents and executive summary from this SPEC Kit is available online at http://www.arl.org/bm~doc/spec-327-web.pdf.
SPEC Kits are designed to examine current research library practices and policies and serve as resource guides for libraries as they face ever-changing management problems. Each SPEC Kit contains a summary analysis, survey questions with tallies, pertinent documentation from participating libraries, and a reading list and Web site references for further information on the topic.
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