In February of 2025, at the UW-Madison Libraries new Access Services Unit formed after several years of discussion, information gathering, and planning. Fall 2025 was our stress test. New hires, new staffing model, new communication methods and more. Join us as we explore the challenges and successes of this extensive planning. As our fondly named ‘NewNewSchedule-April’ professional staff schedule represents, the credit goes to our Access Services staff. Their dedication and flexibility that went into our mid-year, mid-semester hours changes allowed us to meet patron's needs. We will look at some of the scheduling data and staff interviews to analyze the staffing model worked and changes to address in future iterations. Implementation of this model has improved our schedule stability, increased available support for front line staff, and contributed to consistency of library services across locations. As a unit we are working to define and solidify our values and strategies for maintaining a generous but sustainable staffing model. This session reflects on the challenges and advocacy required to stick to staffing models that are sustainable and humane for staff.
Outcomes:
- Attendees will examine strategies and lessons for having difficult conversations with staff.
- Attendees will assess staffing model stability through scheduling; including primary, backup, and cross-training for frontline staff.
- Attendees will also discuss advocacy for library staff needs and complexities to setting hours.
