NASIG 2016

From trial to implementation, technical services staff play an important role in shaping awareness of, and expectations for, new resources. Internally, technical services staff provide information and instruction to public services staff. Externally, they influence how new resources are integrated into the library website and other platforms. With appropriate “message control,” technical services staff can positively influence awareness of new resources while keeping everyone’s expectations in check.

During fall 2015, technical services staff at Georgia Southern University adopted a protocol for new resource rollouts that explicitly times and structures internal and external communications to ensure that all library staff are ready to support new resources as they go live. This protocol focuses on providing appropriate lead-time notifications to public services staff and “training the trainers” first, prior to releasing any external communications. Furthermore, this protocol integrates with activities of the library’s promotion committee, supporting smooth transition to public services promotion of new resources.

During this session, presenters will discuss this protocol in detail, with special emphasis on timing of internal and external communications, the importance of providing sufficient staff training and support materials early on, and the importance of maintaining objectivity and accuracy in all rollout communications and assets. Presenters will share protocol planning tools and worksheets, describe how these are integrated into implementation workflows, and engage participants in discussion about the role of technical services in new resource rollouts.