Case Study: University of Pennsylvania Libraries Digital Strategy

Client: University of Pennsylvania Libraries
Project: Digital Strategy

 
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In March of 2019, Athenaeum21 (A21) was charged by the University of Pennsylvania Libraries (Penn Libraries) to assess the current state of their digital programs, systems, and services, and to make recommendations that will enable the Libraries to best serve the evolving needs of the Penn research community, and become a world leader in digital collections and scholarship. Between March and May 2019, A21 conducted hour-long telephone interviews with 22 Penn Libraries’ staff and potential partners, followed by a three-day site visit at Penn, which included meetings with staff and stakeholder teams, users and partners from across the University (for a total of 70 people). A21 reviewed documentation of existing programs, services, systems, and processes provided by staff, stakeholders, and partners, as well as strategic plans and visioning documents, where available. In some cases A21 had follow-on conversations and correspondence with staff and stakeholders.

Athenaeum21 analyzed all of the resulting data from these conversations and documents and made eight recommendations focused on creating a coordinated and coherent set of programs and services that build upon the current strengths and successes of the Penn Libraries’ varied digital collections, services, and teams, amplifying and scaling those strengths across the entire organization in a unified way. The recommendations for a more systematic and integrated digital strategy will also allow Penn Libraries to make better use of human and financial resources. By identifying areas for immediate strategic investment in key infrastructure and services, the recommendations also set the foundation for long-term sustainability and scalability, aligning its organization and resources to effectively advance these goals.

A21’s eight recommendations centered on cultural, organizational, and technical changes needed to align its operations with its ambitions. These recommendations are being integrated with the Penn Libraries’ forthcoming strategic vision, and A21 has been engaged for follow-on work to estimate costs for the technical infrastructure recommendations. 

Ultimately Athenaeum21 worked with the Libraries to create governing principles and processes toward developing a technological infrastructure that is flexible and responsive to the rapidly changing digital landscape. The inclusion of guiding principles in the strategy will provide the Libraries with the framework to make effective decisions and have the trade-off discussions that are essential to building and sustaining a substantial digital infrastructure.

You can read the full digital strategy here.

Services Provided:

  • Strategic Planning (Digital)

  • User Needs Research & Analysis

  • Gap Analysis

  • Process Design

  • Digital Infrastructure Analysis & Cost Estimates

Methods Used:

  • Interviews (in person, via telephone, and via videoconference)

  • Group Meetings

  • Desk Research

digital strategy, higher education, case studiesA21 UK