Structuring for strategic partnership - a new focus for library learning, teaching and research services

In 2015 the La Trobe University Library implemented a new structure that is more closely aligned with the university aspirations for the future of learning, teaching and research. Central to the University’s future vision is a shift to blended learning and increased emphasis on research. To match this future direction the library now has distinct teams aligned with learning and teaching and with research. Bringing related activities into focus in expert library teams and has resulted in new ways of offering library services in partnership with stakeholders. The new library structure is designed to strengthen strategic partnerships and facilitate collaboration between the Library and other areas of the University. The new teams work side by side with university colleagues to develop and deliver services. The best of past collaborative ways of working have been formalised in the new structure, making such practice part of a new norm. Two frameworks; the Library learning and teaching partnership framework, and the Library research partnership framework are the strategic overlay for the new teams and provide lateral ways of working within these new focus areas to add value to the client experience, student learning, and research outcomes. The new library structure is more than just reorganising how services are delivered; it is the beginning of a new identity for library staff that is more closely aligned with learning, teaching and research. This paper will explore the challenges and successes in implementing the new learning and teaching team. What has it meant for professional development, communication and navigating new service boundaries? In particular the paper outlines how a structure focussed on strategic partnership is changing our approaches to information and digital literacy, blended learning, and frontline services.