WikiFlows

You may have noticed that our staff has recently gotten a new computer system - we now use WorkFlows to check things in & out, place holds, and so on. I think that we've adapted pretty well so far, but here's a Library Secret (shh!): we get lots of updates on using the new system, and sometimes even we Acolytes of Organization have a hard time keeping track of the latest & greatest ways of doing things.

Therefore, I'd like to propose creating a wiki that SDPL's staff can use on WorkFlows procedures. Wikis can be quickly updated by a variety of users, so any staff member who has discovered a better way to do something can easily share their discovery with their fellow staffers. By sharing a common resource staff can quickly disseminate best practices, and also improve efficiency since we won't need to waste time by creating separate training guides at each of our 36 locations. Finally, we could include a section on the wiki that would allow staff members to post questions/problems they've encountered. It's likely that someone else will know the answer, or we can use it to identify questions that need to be passed up the line to the system administrators.

Other libraries have successfully used wikis to help staff keep track of current policies and procedures. For example, Antioch University New England has a wiki for staff training and support. Because the wiki would only relate to staff procedures, we would could limit posting to staff members by using a password. I expect that it would be updated frequently in the beginning, since we are all still familiarizing ourselves with the new system. As time goes on, though, I foresee it being a standing resource that is only infrequently updated.

Perhaps if this goes well, we can create something similar where everyone can post their suggestions and comments. After all, we are planning on unveiling a new public website within the next few months, so we'll be learning about that together...