Changing the Workplace Culture at Flinders University Library: From Pragmatism to Professional Reflection

Abstract

This paper explores how the implementation of a Research Working Group (RWG) has brought about changes in the workplace culture at Flinders University Library. The group was established as a strategy to ensure that library staff have the understanding and skills to drive change in a time of uncertainty and to ensure that library staff are equipped with the expertise to engage with the University's researchers. Its brief is to ‘develop a culture of research and professional reflection in the library's professional staff’ which it does by supporting its members to undertake research projects. The group is led by a Chair who is part of the Library's senior management team and is supported by a resource allocation of $10,000 per annum.To understand changes in the workplace culture, semi-structured interviews were conducted with staff who have undertaken a research project since the implementation of the RWG. Participation in research was measured and the interviews analysed for motivators as well as for evide...