Reorganization of a very small academic library: a case study of Maine maritime academy's Nutting Memorial Library

Abstract

PurposeThis case study evaluates the success of a change management process in a very small academic library at a public, rural college. It considers the existing literature on the subject and how it applies to this setting and details the change process.Design/methodology/approachThe authors developed a new tool for assessment of work and its relationship to the organization design, dubbed a “Penny Chart.” The relationship between work areas uncovered by this charting led the change efforts and determined how jobs would be described and marketed.FindingsConducting a work reorganization within the confines of a very small library staff has extensive benefits, but does not come without the existing drawbacks of working with limited and shrinking resources in the current climate of higher education. However, intentionally charting the relationship between areas of work and determining natural areas of overlap and authority had significant benefits to the organization as a whole.Originality/valueThere is little to no existing literature on conducting a significant reorganization of this size of academic library. This paper contributes significantly to the literature by proposing a new method for reorganization when there is no change to the official reporting structure due to the size of the institution. In addition, this method will be valuable to institutions of all sizes conducting any significant reorganization.

From Pumps and Pipes to Data and Discovery

“…To be successful in a reorganization, librarians need to be flexible, be tolerant of ambiguity, be persistent, and have good time management skills (Chamberlain and Reece 2014). Potential challenges in the reorganization process include working with limited personnel or budget resources (Dyer and Starbird 2023) and conducting the process through certain external events, such as a global pandemic (Lebbin 2022). Not all reorganizations happen across the full library; many library divisions and departments periodically need to reorganize within their smaller units.…”