Library Cartography: Mapping Workflow Processes in an Academic Library

Abstract

This article will introduce and illustrate process mapping as a valuable tool in the academic library setting. Commonly used in the business world, process mapping is the practice of gathering information regarding a specific workflow and diagraming it visually, usually in the form of a flowchart. This representation can then be analyzed for process improvement. In addition to helping assess current workflow efficiency, process mapping is a valuable way for employees throughout the library to see how they are contributing to essential processes. Process mapping can also help to identify areas where departments can work to further collaborate and can contribute to knowledge management and continuity. This article will highlight the valuable benefits of process mapping and document the authors’ experience focusing this activity on the operations at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte’s J. Murrey Atkins Library.

Keywords:

• process mapping
• academic libraries
• flowchart
• workflow
• knowledge management