Discover an alternative approach to the subject liaison model which uses a distributed, team-based matrix to increase communication and collaboration in order to better serve the agriculture and biological sciences communities at our university. Learn the strengths, challenges, and theory of this approach

Oleen, Jenny K

English

Western Washington University

Western Washington UniversityWestern CEDARWestern Libraries Faculty and Staff Publications Western Libraries and the Learning Commons2013Subject matrices: an innovative approach to servingthe agricultural and biological science disciplinesJenny K. OleenWestern Washington University, jenny.oleen@wwu.eduFollow this and additional works at: https://cedar.wwu.edu/library_facpubsPart of the Library and Information Science CommonsThis Poster is brought to you for free and open access by the Western Libraries and the Learning Commons at Western CEDAR. It has been acceptedfor inclusion in Western Libraries Faculty and Staff Publications by an authorized administrator of Western CEDAR. For more information, pleasecontact westerncedar@wwu.edu.Recommended CitationOleen, Jenny K., "Subject matrices: an innovative approach to serving the agricultural and biological science disciplines" (2013).Western Libraries Faculty and Staff Publications. 5.https://cedar.wwu.edu/library_facpubs/5Subject Matrices: An innovative approach to serving the agricultural and  biological science disciplinesComplexity Theory •Creativity in organizations can be achieved by resisting the temptation to plan and control.  •Innovation is promoted by states of tension and uncertainty. •Systems self-organize to meet challenges. Attempts to shape the self-organization may compromise adaptation. •Managers can loosely guide organizations toward desired outcomes by introducing disturbances similar to those outcomes A library reorganization story . . . Before: • Departments broken into the traditional areas of Public &  Technical Services • Public Services in TRADITIONAL SUBJECT SILOS: Social Sciences, Humanities, and the Sciences • Interdepartmental collaboration took place through committees Theoretical Inspirations Successes Increased  communication across library departments about reference, instruction, and the Libraries’ collection Learning opportunities for matrix members to share their skills and experiences with fellow librarians Idea generation that will potentially serve the whole university Created unique outreach opportunities leading to the addition of K-State’s Research & Extension Librarian joining the group Image credits: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jvuokko/4566270758/ , http://www.flickr.com/photos/kstatelibraries/1535735659/  Kansas State University  Libraries After: • Departments belonging traditionally in public services are  DIVIDED BY USER TYPE: Undergraduate & Community Services (UCS) and  Faculty & Graduate  Services (FGS) • Emphasis on internal & external collaboration • SUBJECT MATRICES offer a comprehensive approach to collaboration and addressing user needs • The matrix is people! • Librarians from UCS, FGS, Content Development, and Scholarly Communications & Publishing departments are involved. K-State Libraries Agriculture & Biological Sciences Matrix  Challenges •Do faculty and students understand how this new system works? Does it matter? •How to assess success or failure? •How does the matrix communicate outside the Libraries? •Do the matrix members have time for matrix activities? Loosely Coupled Systems Theory •Environments can be shaped by strategic choices of organizations. •Complex systems are composed of multiple subsystems of less complexity. Organizational structures that react slowly to changes in interactions among subsystems enable novel intermediate adaptations to arise. •Loose coupling can be achieved by altering the timing between receipt of feedback about a system's functioning and implementation of changes based on that feedback. UCS Interim Dept. Head Scholarly Communications Lib. Content Development Lib.  UCS Librarians  FGS Librarians Data Management Lib. Instructional Design Lib. Research & Extension Lib. 

Subject matrices: an innovative approach to serving the agricultural and biological science disciplines

https://cedar.wwu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1004&amp;context=library_facpubs

Subject matrices: an innovative approach to serving the agricultural and biological science disciplines

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