Digital Age Discoverability: A Collaborative Organizational Approach

Abstract

The tumultuous changes in the scholarly communications ecosystem have disrupted traditional library assumptions and established new workflows and user expectations. In response, the Auraria Library at the University of Colorado Denver initiated a collaborative design (co-design) initiative to re-invent structures, processes, services, and roles throughout the entire organization. Fostered by appreciative inquiry, enabled by social learning, and furthered by shared leadership, redesign initiated sustainable information exchange, reflective dialog, and knowledge creation practices.

The case study highlights accomplishments of technical services staff members who successfully engaged co-workers in selection, implementation, and enhancement of a Web-scale discovery service. Continuing support of the full discovery layer lifecycle illustrates evolving information practices and workplace outcomes at the Auraria Library. Concluding reflections offer transferable insights to other organizations aspiring to co-design workplace environments that enliven creativity, discovery, and exploration.