[PADG:1373] summary of responses to query on preservation in team org model

[Yvonne Carignan <yc38@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Summary of responses to my query of May 23, 2001 regarding "moving preservation 
operations to a flattened, team-based organization structure."

Four institutions reported being in a team-based organization.  These were 
divided between formally flattened organizational structures and those who work 
as teams within hierarchically structured organizations.

The types of libraries reporting are as follows:
2 academic libraries 
1 federal library
1 special collections conservation lab

The respondents tended to share the advantages and disadvantages of the 
flattened and/or team structure.  I summarize them as follows:

Advantages of flattened organization:
· Higher level of responsiveness to clientele
· Greater staff commitment and satisfaction
· Greater accountability for services and service problems
· Avoidance of the inefficiencies of "territoriality"
· Emphasis on cross-training which allows for flexibility
· Improved communication and sharing of knowledge and resources
· Staff have more autonomy and control over their work.
· Staff better appreciate the interdependence of tasks and staff 
responsibilities  
· Problem solving at the grass roots level
· Encourages individual growth and development 
· Some less productive staff become more productive in the team environment
· Team structure serves as a problem-solving model that staff can apply 
successfully to new assignments 

Disadvantages
· Loss of some middle managers (not necessarily connected to new org model)
· Resulting loss of breadth of perspective and creative problem-solving skills
· Some staff members prefer to work independently and do not work well in teams
· A team is only as strong as its weakest link: staff resent other team members 
who do not meet expectations for productivity 
· When middle management is eliminated, upper management is left with added 
responsibilities and demands on its time

Advice
· Coaching has to occur to bring individuals along in the new environment
· To make the transition gracefully, it helps to bring in a trainer who 
specializes in organizational development and team training 
· Success results from respect for each other's skills and competency 
· It is critical for staff to take responsibility for reporting their decisions 
and actions within a team structure 
· Select an organizational model that is well suited to the organization's 
goals.  No single org model is best for all organizations!

----------------------
Yvonne Carignan
Preservation Department Head
McKeldin Library
University of Maryland 
College Park, MD 20742
yc38@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
VoiceMail: 301-405-9343