Implementing a New Integrated Library Management System in a Public Library Consortium: A Case Study on Strategies for Effective Staff Training

Abstract

This study seeks to answer the research question: What factors influence effectiveness of ILMS staff training in public library consortia? In addressing this question the research is done on a case study of a public library consortium in Australia. The study used qualitative research methods involving a semi-structured asynchronous survey questions. Survey questions were distributed via email to individual participants coordinated by the Consortium manager. This study is anonymous. Only the Consortium manager is known to the researcher. The Consortium manager has given consent to be attributed; however, the Consortium manager as well as the organization is not named in the study. This study is based on participants experience and it is supported by library literature. High quality responses were received from five participants. These responses were then analysed under the chapter headings: Goals for the ILMS implementation; Challenges experienced with ILMS staff training; and Strategies for effective implementation of ILMS staff training. Each chapter proceeds with analysis of the collected data, followed by a discussion that draws on supporting literature. The study has identified factors that influence the success of ILMS staff training. Some of these factors include: The need for library group members to compromise on their standards and work practices; and to work collaboratively for the benefit of the consortium; the need to get staff from member libraries involved at all stages of training; the need to involve competent and enthusiastic staff with training; the need to have a support mechanism for staff throughout the training; and the need to use an integrated training module of face-to-face, web based training and self-paced training to provide flexibilities for staff participation across the consortium; and the need for good planning. This study has identified the unique requirement of member libraries joining in a public library consortium and the advantages of such arrangement. The study has identified some of the challenges of training in a library consortium; and provides some insight into understanding strategies for managing those challenges.