Interaction between departments: strategies for improving interdepartmental collaboration through communication

Abstract

Collaboration within libraries can be a challenge; with specifi c jobs and areas of expertise, it is easy to focus only inward. But collaborating with the staff in other departments may help librarians be more effective information providers. The University of New Mexico Libraries has tried to meet this challenge by instituting formal and informal communication mechanisms. Onetime learning opportunities and groups that meet regularly were created between different departments. This chapter will describe the ways in which the University of New Mexico Libraries organized these events and groups, which methods met with the best success and participation, and advice on how to apply these suggestions in other libraries.

From Pumps and Pipes to Data and Discovery

“…To break down these artificial barriers and work toward common goals, libraries need to find ways to collaborate and increase cross-departmental communication. Numerous case studies exist about how library departments have implemented collaboration efforts, such as those from the University of New Mexico (Bordeianu and Lubas 2013), Cornell University (Birnholtz et al 2013), the University of Louisiana at Lafayette (Zetty 2017), and Texas A&M University (Ho 2005).…”

“…Increased collaboration can also help libraries better align with the larger institution's mission and goals (Atkinson 2018). Bringing the right people together to collaborate within the library helps to foster a better organizational culture, increases communication between departments, and allows individuals and teams to excel and adapt to change (Bordeianu and Lubas 2013). Collaborative projects require what Helmer et al (2012, 185) call "a high degree of cohesion"-and individuals with a history of working together are more likely to be successful (Helmer et al 2012).…”

Approaches for investigating university libraries as learning organisations

“…Difficulties in translating the concept into practices may occur due to the unique characteristics of university library work processes and culture. Rigid departments and a high degree of task specialisation may potentially block or impede learning and development, especially if there is a history of autonomous working, resulting in a lack of knowledge sharing and collective learning across units (Bordeianu & Lubas, 2013;Martin, 2013).…”