From Print to Online: Revamping Technical Services with Centralized and Distributed Workflow Models

Abstract

In order to accommodate changes in technical services work, which resulted from collections that are transforming from primarily print-based to increasingly online, both American University libraries-the Bender Library and the Pence Law Library-undertook staff reorganizations. The libraries, however, chose different organizational models. The Bender Library reorganized its electronic resources management around a centralized Electronic Resources Unit. In contrast, the Pence Law Library decided to follow a distributed model and revised existing position descriptions and workflows to accommodate new roles and responsibilities. Both libraries experienced successes and challenges during their reorganizations. But despite these different approaches to tackling electronic resources management and staff changes, both librarians concluded that technical services work continues to evolve and library staff need to be able to learn and grow to meet the ongoing transformation of library collections. Published with license by Taylor & Francis.