What We Do
LIBRARY STRATEGIC
CONSULTING
Library Strategic Consulting
While best known for our technical library services, LAC Federal is also a frequent consultant on evaluating and transforming library services both as standalone engagement and within the scope of our broader library and information center managed services. We apply an Information Needs Assessment framework. The model is broadly based on the development of a strategic business plan for the library, looking at the future of those services, the current state of a client’s existing services, the gap between the two and the detailed planning and management required to address this gap. We draw upon internal and external subject matter experts in library services, information architecture and systems, and other areas as needed.
PAST PERFORMANCE
National Agricultural Library – Consultation Services for Library Services Platform
LAC provided a senior consultant and project management specialist to plan, coordinate, and implement a complex migration and consolidation of the NAL’s catalog database from a server-side integrated library system (Voyager) to a cloud-based next generation Library Services Platform (LSP), Alma. LAC Federal provided a Six-Sigma-certified project management specialist with extensive information technology expertise and experience surrounding catalog databases. She conducted an in-depth Business Requirements Analysis and developed a detailed project plan including all tasks, deliverables, milestones, and reporting. In addition to a direct migration of the existing catalog, the project included planning for the extraction, transformation, and loading (ETL) of special collections catalog records for the NALs archives which were maintained in a variety of custom databases and did not adhere to a common standard. She worked directly with NAL staff from the Acquisitions and Metadata Branch, IT staff, and vendor representatives from Islandora to effect a smooth transition.
Library of Congress – Visitor’s Experience Master Plan Support
LAC provided a master planning and strategic consultant in support of the Visitor’s Experience Master Plan (VEMP) for the Library of Congress. VEMP is part of the Library’s larger strategic vision and requires the input and coordination of numerous departments, divisions, and sections throughout the Library and with stakeholders outside the Library including the Congress, Architect of the Capitol (AOC), vendors, and partner cultural institutions. LAC Federal’s role was to provide master schedule planning and stakeholder management to incorporate and seamlessly integrate stakeholder inputs into the master schedule. The result of the work to be performed under this contract was to translate the Library’s vision for the VEMP into a single comprehensive, governable process that provides sufficient detail to enable immediate action. LAC Federal began the project working with stakeholders to develop a VEMP program governance and a master schedule including a critical path and a risk register. Since the completion of this Master Plan, our consultant has continued to meet regularly with primary stakeholders to advise on fiscal year funding, changes to the critical path, and how those changes impact other tasks. LAC Federal strategized on how best to allocate funding and resources to ensure all projects were completed on time and within budget.