What do you do if your library services team is overwhelmed with workload and conflicting priorities?

2 Set Priorities

Once you have a clear understanding of the workload, it's time to set priorities. This means deciding which tasks are urgent and important, and which can be deferred. It's crucial to distinguish between tasks that directly impact library users and those that are more internal or have flexible deadlines. Prioritizing will help your team focus on what's essential, ensuring that the most critical services are maintained and that resources are allocated effectively.

3 Delegate Tasks

Delegation is a powerful tool for managing workload. Evaluate the strengths and skillsets of each team member and assign tasks accordingly. This not only ensures that tasks are handled by those best equipped to do so but also helps in distributing the workload more evenly across the team. Encourage team members to communicate openly about their capacity for additional work and be prepared to reassign tasks if necessary to prevent burnout.

4 Streamline Processes

Streamlining processes can significantly reduce the workload on your library services team. Look for opportunities to automate repetitive tasks or implement new systems that can make operations more efficient. This might involve updating software, reorganizing the workflow, or eliminating redundant steps in existing procedures. An efficient workflow can free up time for your team to focus on high-priority tasks and improve overall service delivery.

5 Foster Collaboration

Fostering a collaborative environment within your library services team can help manage the workload more effectively. Encourage team members to support each other and share responsibilities. Collaboration can lead to innovative solutions for managing tasks and can create a more resilient team dynamic. Team meetings can be an excellent platform for discussing challenges, brainstorming solutions, and collectively deciding on the best course of action.

6 Invest in Training

Investing in training and professional development for your library services team can have long-term benefits in managing workload and priorities. By equipping your team with the latest skills and knowledge, they'll be better prepared to handle complex tasks and adapt to new technologies or processes. Continuous learning can also improve job satisfaction and efficiency, which in turn can help in managing an overwhelming workload more effectively.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?