Realignment strengthens city libraries capacity to deliver better customer service

28 July 2006

Christchurch City Libraries is to realign its organisational structure to strengthen its leadership capacity and continue to deliver the city with an innovative, cutting edge public library and information service.

Libraries Manager Carolyn Robertson today announced the final decision, after extensive staff consultation, saying it was important Christchurch City Libraries added value for its customers through a more efficient and cost-effective service.

She said the new structure would support both internal and external stakeholders through strategic planning, delivery of service, teamwork and strong leadership, at the same time integrating the four Banks Peninsula libraries into the structure and addressing vacancies at the senior level.

Under the new structure, 15 new positions will be created – five at the senior management level – and 14 will be disestablished (eight of which are currently vacant).

The libraries will operate under a matrix structure, with four positions responsible for the leadership and delivery of the libraries’ customer experience: Central Library Manager, two Community Library Managers and Digital Library Manager.

Three new roles will be created to deliver city-wide services to Christchurch’s network of 20 libraries. These manager positions would provide leadership to the teams responsible for the delivery of Content; Places and Spaces; and Programmes and Learning.

Mrs Robertson said the proposal to transfer the management of the technical, infrastructure and help desk functions of the library’s digital service to the Council’s Information Management & Computer Technology shared service have been put on hold for 12 months while the Council develops its IT Strategy.

“This Strategy looks at the future road map for IT priorities across the Council and will include the library network.”

She said the new structure improves Christchurch City Libraries capacity and resources to deliver key strategic initiatives and contribute to regional and national projects, while also fostering innovation and creativity.

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