Libraries have the same challenges as any other employer: making sure you have the right number of people in the right place, with the right training, with the right resources to serve customers effectively. The needs of patrons are constantly evolving, and libraries have to be ready to meet those needs and provide the materials and services patrons want.
We recently worked with Medina County District Library on a project to help them assess whether they were meeting the needs of the community with the right number of staff and in the right roles.
The Medina County District Library is a county library system in Northeast Ohio. MCDL enriches life in its communities with outstanding and innovative library services for all. MCDL is an inclusive hub of thought, learning, innovation, collaboration, and leisure, which stimulates the vision and ideals of Medina County. The Library strives to provide the best work environment for job satisfaction and career development.
We had the opportunity to work with MCDL’s Executive Director Julianne Bedel on other projects related to the consortium to which they belong, and it was great to work with her and the management team at her library. She said:
Working with OA on our recent workforce strategy analysis was a highly rewarding experience for Medina County District Library. Like all employers, libraries face challenges related to staffing—ensuring the right number of people, with the appropriate skills, training, and resources, are positioned effectively to serve our patrons. OA's thorough qualitative and quantitative analyses were instrumental in assessing our staffing levels and determining if we were adequately meeting the evolving needs of our community.
OA's methodical approach, which included surveys, one-on-one meetings with our management team and staff, branch visits, and comprehensive data analysis, provided deep insights into our operational efficiency and staffing alignment. Their work offered insight where our resources were effectively deployed and made specific recommendations for improvement. Notably, their comparison of our staffing levels with peer libraries was extremely beneficial, reassuring us that our staffing levels are appropriate, even as we continue to adjust to shifts in patron interactions post-pandemic.
The strategic recommendations provided by OA regarding operational improvements, performance expectations, and resource optimization were particularly impactful. Their expertise and collaborative approach have significantly enhanced our capacity to provide exceptional library services, maintain a positive work environment, and ensure long-term sustainability at Medina County District Library.
Organizational Architecture is the trusted partner for more than thirty public libraries across the United States for human resources consulting, recruiting, performance management, and leadership development. If you need help in any of these areas, contact us to learn more.