A Positive Approach to Change: The Role of Appreciative Inquiry in Library and Information Organisations

Abstract

Library and information management (LIM) organisations are on an almost continual path of change driven by changes in technology, service models, staffing structures, and financial allocations. The way in which LIM organisations approach change varies, as does the success rate of change management procedures undertaken. One particular approach to change management is Appreciative Inquiry (AI). AI has been gaining in popularity since its inception over two decades ago. This technique seeks to identify what works with individuals, teams, or whole organisations and then build on those elements, a digression from the common approach of looking for a problem that needs to be fixed. This paper explores the AI technique and its potential for application by LIM organisations.