Breakout: Diagnosing Library Process Problems Using Maps and Metrics
You have long suspected that there must be a better way for your processes to work. You
are right, and that way is called Lean. Lean is “a way to do more with less – less human effort,
less equipment, less time and less space – while coming closer to providing exactly what the
customers want” (J.P. Womack).
In this session, you will learn how basic principles of Lean were applied to library processes such
as program scheduling, circulation and shelving, and adding donated items to a collection. From
there, you will learn how to use three types of flowcharts and how to calculate four key process
performance metrics to better understand your process.
Experts estimate that the typical process is 85% waste, the performance of unnecessary work.
To wrap up, we will explore the eight types of waste. By the end of this session, you will have
the tools to identify what is causing inefficiencies in your processes. In short, you will have a
diagnosis!
Learn how to fix process problems by attending the afternoon breakout session, “A Prescription
for Achieving Faster, Better, and Cheaper Library Processes” on Tuesday at 12:15 PT.