Browsing by Author "Johnson, Kris"

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Understanding and Embracing Service Design Principles in Creating Effective Library Spaces and Services
(Emerald Publishing Group, 2016-12) Johnson, Kris
Purpose The aim of this chapter is to help library administrators understand the concept of Service Design, and to maintain that any consideration of the future of library spaces should begin with a service design focused approach. Approach The chapter is a combination of general review, literature review, case study, and conceptual paper. It focuses on describing the basics of the concept, highlighting essential resources for further understanding, highlighting service design specifically applied in libraries, and providing one case study of an academic library undergoing a master planning project utilizing the lens of Service Design. The chapter will conclude by emphasizing the importance of attaining an appropriate understanding and buy-in for the Service Design process by library administrators and staff in order for its effective implementation. Practical implications Practical implications to employing Service Design to library spaces are endless, and span that gamut from making smart decisions based on user input and evidence, to creating spaces and services that are relevant to library users. Employing a Service Design approach to library building projects helps administrators position themselves to advocate for needed technology and funding in the highly competitive resource arena. The ideas gleaned from this chapter can be applied in any library: academic, public, special, or school. The results will be different, because every library has a unique group of users, but the processes employed are the same. Originality/value Library literature related to Service Design is slim but slowly emerging. This chapter fills a gap in literature geared specifically to administrators as well as building design and redesign projects.
Using a “Project Management Mindset” as an Administrative Approach to Creating Workplace Efficiencies & Building Employee Leadership Skills
(2016) Johnson, Kris
Purpose The aim of this chapter is to help library managers and administrators understand the core processes of project management and how adopting a project management mindset as an approach to library administration can help libraries more efficiently achieve the goals and objectives outlined in their strategic plans and to simultaneously grow library leaders, at all levels of the organization. Methodology/approach The chapter is a combination of general overview, literature review, and conceptual paper. It will begin by discussing the basics of project management and project management processes, the shell, that makes project management such a valuable management tool to help guide staff through work processes. Next will be sections focusing on core literature resources for further understanding the value of project management and the project management mindset, both from the library and non-library literature. Relevant library literature presented will highlight the portions of the literature that tie to the core project management process and its value as a managerial, strategic planning, and leadership building tool. This will be followed by a slightly more in-depth examination of project management processes, followed by a section detailing the practical benefits to libraries. The chapter will end by summarizing the benefits of utilizing project management as a managerial tool and ties into the overall concept of employing a Project Management Mindset as one’s approach to management or administration. Practical implications Practical implications to embracing a Project Management Mindset in libraries include improving efficiency, realizing goals and objectives tied to strategic plans, and building staff knowledge, skills, and leadership abilities. The ideas gleaned from this chapter can be applied in any library type: academic, public, special, or school. Originality/value Library literature related to project management is solid, but generally focuses on processes and tools, and often has an IT focus. This chapter fills a gap in literature geared specifically to managers and administrators and focuses less on specifics and more on the higher-level benefits organizations such as libraries can gain from project management as well as the benefits to the library profession as a whole by increasing employee skills, knowledge, and leadership.
Using the Balanced Scorecard as a Framework for Strategic Planning and Organizational Change
(2020) Johnson, Kris; Arlitsch, Kenning; Kyrillidou, Martha; Swedman, David
Strategic planning processes offer an opportunity to connect foundational practices with a vision for future change. In this chapter, Kotter’s eight stages of change are mapped to the Montana State University Library’s strategic planning effort (September 2017– February 2018). Montana State University (MSU) is a land-grant public research university located in Bozeman, Montana. It is listed in the Carnegie Classification as a doctoral-granting university with “Higher Research Activity,” and with a head count of nearly 17,000 students in Fall 2018, it is by far the largest institution of higher education in Montana. The university’s annual budget is $201 million, and research and development expenditures exceeded $126 million in 2018. In addition to having its teaching and research missions, MSU is also one of 359 universities in the US awarded Carnegie’s community engagement classification.