RLI 286  16 RESEARCH LIBRARY ISSUES: A REPORT FROM ARL, CNI, AND SPARC 2015 Communication also appeared to be random and inconsistent, based on the focus group feedback. A strategy to address that came in the form of a portal for staff communication named “Behind the Stacks.” This is a web-based SharePoint portal that links various specialty blogs and provides highlights or announcements for daily events. The portal also includes links to forms and information as well as committee actions and minutes. The specialty blogs provide venues for both personal information, such as birth announcements, selling personal items, etc., and organization-related information, such as human resource information, campus events, and organizational news. Re-Opening the Open House A final strategy that the libraries revisited from the past was an open house concept for library departments to share with one another their work and activities. Departmental open houses are scheduled on a monthly basis. During its open house the department provides information within the work space as to what happens where, and then staff members are present to explain work flows, concepts, etc., and how they are contributing to the department’s goals and objectives. Conclusion As of this writing, the libraries completed the ClimateQUAL survey three years ago but most of these strategies put into place from the focus group feedback are less than two years old. It is the organization’s intention to reassess in 2015 how these strategies have impacted the organizational climate. Early feedback has been positive, indicating that issues raised have at least been acknowledged if not addressed. In addition, the University Libraries has developed spin-off committees focused on creating recognition and rewards ideas and events, as well as a group looking at ways to improve Behind the Stacks communication. The University Libraries has continued to experience budget cuts as well as witness other campus actions that have impacted colleagues and friends. The actions that the organization has taken based on the ClimateQUAL survey and resulting focus group feedback have kept staff more informed and better satisfied about decisions being made. The UNCG ClimateQUAL team is optimistic that this experience has made a positive change to the organization. Endnotes 1 ClimateQUAL®: Organizational Climate and Diversity Assessment is an assessment of (a) library staff perceptions of the organization’s commitment to the principles of diversity, (b) staff perceptions of organizational policies and procedures, and (c) staff attitudes. ARL, in partnership with the University of Maryland Industrial/Organizational Psychology Program, offers the ClimateQUAL protocol to the library community. For more information about ClimateQUAL, see http:// climatequal.org/.
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