Compact but Nimble: Navigating the Challenges and Discovering the Benefits of Small Libraries

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Wednesday, October 27, 2021 - 1:00pm to 2:00pm

The CARLI Instruction Committee held a discussion on 10/27 on the issues faced by small libraries and strategies on how to manage them.
There are specific challenges that small academic and rural libraries face that are unique, which can be related to staffing, budget, library instruction, etc.

This session was NOT recorded to foster a more open conversation.

Questions used to facilitate discussion:

  • Introduction
    • How do you define small libraries?
    • What does ‘small library’ mean to you?
  • Challenges
    • What is an issue unique to small libraries you face in your library right now?
    • How do you respond to students’ needs with budget and staffing restrictions?
  • Avoiding Burnout
    • We know a lot of folks are being asked to wear many hats in their positions, which can lead to burn out. How do you manage burnout?
  • Collaboration / Initiatives
    • How do you make meaningful connections and collaborations within your campus community?
    • What has helped library staff innovate, change, or grow that has come from outside of the library? (Support, resources, ideas, etc. coming from Faculty, Staff, Administration, School Culture)
    • How do smaller libraries approach adapting large scale initiatives to their smaller staff and support? (Initiatives like First Year Experience,
  • Personal Librarian Programs, Liaison Programs, etc) Opportunities
    • Is there a service or practice you adopted during the pandemic you will continue to offer?
    • What new opportunities do you see this year and how will you capitalize on them?
    • Are there ways small libraries can provide support for each other we can discuss as a group?

Resources shared during discussion: