Sometimes a workshop simply comes at a bad time for you and as much as you would like to come, you just can't make it. Or you read the description and decide it sounds perfect but you really want to send the whole staff. Or you just want more done than is possible in a workshop. Well, here's your answer: we'll come to you.
How it Works:
Dougherty and Associates also works with individual libraries
that want to examine their existing work flows and procedures.
We will provide instruction and guidance in
Training includes instruction on when and how to use basic analytical tools such as the flow chart and the flow process chart. Instruction in the use of diagnostic tools such as the Parento chart, and cause-effect charts is also provided. D&A will provide support to a library in streamlining existing work flows and procedures. Streamlined procedures will help the library to save time, eliminate needless tasks, develop more interesting jobs, and in the process, save dollars. (This is process innovation.)
Time Studies
Librarians are also more interested in learning how the staff
spends their time at work. For example, there is currently enormous
ferment in reference-related activities because of the many different
viewpoints about what reference librarians can and should be doing.
Those concerned need to know exactly what activities are taking
place. Armed with such data, reference librarians will be better
able to explain what they are doing and how they are contributing.
Or, if necessary, an administrator will have a more objective
basis for introducing change to reference services. The key is
to collect reliable time data. This information can be collected
in a variety of ways. D&A can provide the necessary training
to collect reliable time data.
Cost Studies
Answering questions about the cost of providing services is now
a commonly heard request. Officials and administrators want to
know the answers. It is not difficult to approximate the cost
of activities, but if more precise data are required, then it
is necessary to identify activities, calculate the time spent
on each activity, and link the time data to direct and indirect
costs. This is a classic description of time/cost study. D&A
can provide training and guidance for librarians who wish to conduct
such detailed studies.
Involving Staff
One of the most challenging and important aspects of a process
innovation project is in developing new and better procedures
and work flows. Our experience clearly shows that involving staff
in this process pays substantial dividends. Workers want to be
involved in designing better procedures—and why not? They
are the ones who are saddled with the existing work flows that
aren't working well. D&A will work with clients in developing
new and improved work flows and procedures.
Richard M. Dougherty, an experienced librarian, also serves as an Organizational Design consultant. He is co-author of Scientific Management of Library Operations and is currently working on a completely updated version. Its working title is: Systematic Management of Library Operations: a Manager’s Handbook.
Dougherty has served in a variety of professional roles: library administrator, consultant, editor, publisher, and faculty member. He is a former president of American Library Association. He is the former director of the libraries at the University of California–Berkeley and the University of Michigan. He is currently president of the Board of Trustees of the Ann Arbor District Library.
For more information, contact: Richard M. Dougherty at Dougherty &Associates, P.O. Box 8330, Ann Arbor, MI 48107. phone: 734-662-3925 fax: 734-662-4450 E-mail: apdougherty@CompuServe.com
— Upcoming Workshops
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