There comes a time when somebody finally says it out loud: “This isn’t working anymore.” Of course, everyone knew it a long time ago. But there’s a sigh and it feels like the room isn’t quite so claustrophobic anymore: the truth is out. But that breath of fresh air doesn’t last long, soon we’re tossed about by gusting winds of competing interests, confusion, and general instability. Everything is chaotic and unstable, and again, most people are unhappy. Quick: Take action and get back to work! In my talk, I will use a case study about the UCLA Digital Library to demonstrate effective methods to let things get uncomfortable to take your team to a higher level of functioning so that it can take on bigger challenges.
At the UCLA Library, I have overseen the process of selecting a new digital library system and beginning its implementation. This talk will outline the organizational methods I used to ensure a productive and empowering process so that the Library ended up with a better digital library as well as a more effective digital library team.
