This session examines how change management was put into practice in a regional university academic library’s User and Delivery Services (UDS) department through the perspective of an interim associate dean working closely with the UDS department head. As libraries respond to evolving user expectations, staffing constraints, and shifting service models, successful change requires both strategic vision and effective operational leadership.
Drawing on departmental transformations during the past year and a half, the presenter will discuss how they partnered with others to guide staff through changes in service approaches and organizational culture. The session will explore setting direction and aligning with institutional goals, gathering evidence, communicating the rationale for change, and working with both the Libraries dean and the department head. The department head perspective will provide supporting staff through uncertainty and translating strategy into day-to-day operations. Participants will be invited via menti polls to share their experiences with recent changes they implemented or wish to implement.
Attendees will gain insight into the importance of the relationship between administrative and department head leaders during times of transition. The presenter will highlight unvarnished lessons learned, strategies for fostering trust and transparency, and practical approaches for maintaining service quality while navigating change. The presenter will invite attendees to complete an immunity to change rubric and stakeholder planning worksheet to spark strategies for change management. Participants will leave with actionable ideas for leading change collaboratively within their own organizations and for effectively working with different leadership styles and “managing up.”
