Here's how you can enhance library services efficiency and effectiveness with problem solving skills.

Most problems do not jump out at us full blown. Frequently they are observable through small hints here, an identifiable mini-problem there. The skill of sensing these “problem signals” early in their life is an important one because smaller problems are generally more easily corrected than larger ones. When small problems come up there is usually more time available in which to solve them. By asking questions such as – “what’s going on here?” “what would I like to change?” what’s bugging me?”- An increased awareness of potential problems will result.

After collecting the information related to the problem, a problem solver will begin to ask “what does this information tell me? In addition, it is important at this time to look behind the apparent problem to some of the underlying facts and causes. In this way it is possible to separate symptoms, or second-level problems from the key problem. Once the key problem has been identified, in order to permit the widest choice of selection, it should be stated in the following manner. Begin the problem definition with the phrase “in what ways might I? By phrasing a problem definition as “my problem is” there is a tendency to lock mentally onto the first solution that comes to mind.

Up to this point a great deal of work has been put into the problem-solving process. A solution has been chosen. Plans must now be made to implement the solution. Only then will the solution become effective. To be effective , a solution must have two characteristics: it must be of high quality, and it must be acceptable to the people who will have to live with it. The involvement of others in the implementation of the solution tends to produce more effective results. In developing an implementation plan it is important to consider who will be affected by the solution, who will support the solution, and who will resist the solution.

The problem solving process never really ends. One reason for evaluating problem solving effectiveness is to determine whether or not the solution has done what was intended. If it has not, there is new problem awareness requiring a new problem –solving effort. If the solution is effective, the change introduced by the solution may generate new problems that need to be handled. The evaluation should be some form of feedback, either verbal or numerical, that measures key information regarding changes in the problem situation.