Purpose & Goals

In this presentation, I will focus on the changes introduced to the Library System of Pontificia Universidad Católica Argentina (UCA) based on the results of the libraries assessment and the methodologies applied to transform its management model into a user-focused one. This presentation will also concentrate on the research and understanding of users’ needs and on libraries assessment. Additionally, both the model and the methodology stages will be described briefly, including the tools applied such as LibQual, co-creative workshops, interviews, observation, photographic records, focus groups, etc. It is important to mention that our libraries have applied the LibQual methodology since 2014 every 3 years.

Design & Methodology

This new model includes different agile methodologies to develop the libraries’ functions and activities. It promotes the libraries’ organizational and cultural change to transform them into a learning space that not only favors users’ inspiration and creativity, but also empowers their skills. This management model is based on three axes: - The Agility Axis, where the Design Thinking methodology is applied to put into practice the library model focused on improving user experience. - The Innovation Axis, which involves changes in physical and virtual spaces as well as the development of an activity plan to spread an innovation culture. - The Cultural Change Axis, which fosters change management within library teams, in line with the university’s organizational change vision, and which contributes to the integration of the university’s different schools and teams.

Conclusions

The implementation of the model allowed us to understand the desires of our users and provided us with tools to build and develop more solid and flexible work teams focused on innovation and change. Moreover, to support this change, a new libraries organizational chart was created, and its functional areas, goals and scope were defined.

Implications & Value

Such a challenge meant assuming that libraries should be an inspiring environment for students, teachers and researchers to enhance users’ learning experience. Therefore, the expected impacts on the academic level include better academic performance of students, better performance of teachers in their pedagogical role as well as greater visibility of the academic and scientific production of the University's researchers. As a consequence, the three most important dimensions in our libraries (services, physical space, and collection and access management) have been transformed. This experience may contribute to new ways of organizing libraries and to become aware of the significance of library assessment for libraries management.