Library planning using online group discussions

Julia Leong

In 2006 by reference librarians at the University of New England trialled a Yahoo online group to assist in their annual planning. Staff posted issues for discussion and made online comments on each topic.

We used the technology were to enhance staff awareness of its potential, to become confident in using an online group, to allow all to participate, irrespective of roster commitments, and to enable everyone to get in an equal word without being interrupted. Ten of 12 staff participated in the online group, of the two who did not participate, one was heavily involved in an unrelated task and one was close to retirement. We were pleased to find that competence in using online groups increased significantly.

At the conclusion of the process we used polls within the Yahoo group to discover staff response to using this technology. Seven to nine people responded to each poll. Interestingly, 57 per cent of respondents believed that 'the online group was more democratic, ie removed some of the impact of dominant individuals.' The remainder felt it was about the same. Staff had varied feelings as to how well their points got across, compared with face-to-face meetings, indicating that the online process was very helpful in this area for some, but not all, group members.

There was a wide spread of opinion regarding the effect of using the group on the spread of topics discussed and on the efficiency of the online group process, with the average seeing the impact as positive. On both questions, 50 per cent of staff rated the process as better and 25 per cent as about the same. It should be noted, though, that most topics for discussion were initiated by the Department head, although all staff were encouraged to suggest discussion points. At the point of pulling all the opinions together for documentation there was a big efficiency gain, as it was very easy to see everyone's views topic by topic.

In response to the question, 'Would you support use of online groups for future planning?' all responses said they would. All bar one chose, 'Yes, in conjunction with some face-to-face'. One voted for 'Yes, love it.' It appears that online groups can offer a good contribution to a planning exercise, but they are best used in conjunction with face-to-face meetings.

back