With extensive experience working with academic and research libraries, library consortia, and the organizations that serve them, R2 provides a full range of consulting services. Our work is primarily aimed at increasing efficiencies in the library workflow from title identification and selection through ordering, receiving, cataloging and shelf preparation.
R2 specializes in the implications of eBooks, eJournals, and other eResources for libraries and their vendors, seeking to optimize use of ILS and vendor systems to streamline library operations and patron access.
Specific services include:
- Library Workflow Analysis
- Management Consulting
- Workflow Redesign
- New Workflow Implementation
- Third Party Integration of Vendor and Library Systems
- Onsite Training
- Strategic Planning and Facilitation
Library Workflow Analysis
By way of on-site interviews and analysis, R2 identifies and recommends increased efficiencies in library operations. R2 places a strong emphasis on maximizing the value of existing staff and systems. R2 identifies operational inefficiencies and suggests specific strategies for optimizing use of vendor systems and the installed ILS.
Management Consulting
Need help with staffing estimates, appropriate expectations of professional and clerical staff, redeployment opportunities, reorganizational strategies? Based on many years of management experience and with an outside perspective, R2 will analyze your current circumstances and make specific recommendations based on departmental workloads, legacy system capabilities, new technological opportunities, and long term library goals.
Collaborating with the library staff, R2 designs new and efficient workflow solutions that take full advantage of existing staff, vendor services and ILS tools, while never losing sight of the library's unique priorities and values. Time saved on legacy processes allows staff to focus on emerging issues and tasks related to the acquisition and access of electronic content.
R2's strong communication skills, technical expertise, and flow-charting tools facilitate change at every stage from discovery through planning and implementation. Working with all levels of library staff, Rick and Ruth inspire confidence and enthusiasm for a new, more effective approach to the work.
Third Party Integration of Vendor and Library Systems
Materials vendors, ILS vendors, and libraries are well aware of the workflow efficiencies gained when their systems work together. Often, however, specific circumstances and system configurations require technical expertise that does not exist within the library and may be difficult to obtain from the vendor. R2 has 10+ years of experience working with vendor and ILS systems and can expedite the process of creating a solution that works in your library.
Onsite Training
Electronic support (vendor web tools, new ILS modules, etc.) for new workflow routines is of limited value until the tools are well understood and fully implemented by library staff. It is also essential to "train" staff to see their own work within the context of the entire organization. Working on-site, R2 offers direct technical and context training for all levels of staff. As well, R2 can "train the trainers" or design a training program that can be implemented by your own management staff. Either way, R2's comprehensive training will help your organization to maximize investments made in new systems and workflow redesign.
Strategic Planning and Facilitation
Great organizations thrive under the leadership of those with strong opinions based on specific expertise and personal experience. However, when there is a lack of clarity about how an organization should best move forward, neutral facilitation can be important. Rick and Ruth are skilled moderators without established loyalties, who can make it possible for all voices to be heard, common goals defined, basic philosophical or strategic differences identified, relative costs and benefits explored, and if appropriate, projects defined and tasks and time-frames mapped.