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Transportation Library Quick Guide: Organizational Strategy: Services and Functions

Services and Functions

Intentional articulation of services and functions and how they support the vision and mission will provide focus and help illustrate the program’s relevance. Prioritizing, if possible, will help manage limited staff and financial resources. Provided below are traditional and newer practices typical of many state DOT libraries and information centers. Creating a realistic list and defining the scope and resources needed for each function or service can help focus and prioritize efforts.

Traditional Practices

  • Document delivery
  • Interlibrary loans
  • Literature searches
  • New library materials alerts
  • Online catalog
  • Periodicals routing
  • Research assistance
  • Study and work areas
  • Subscription databases

Newer Practices

  • Coordinating or providing training
  • Digitization
  • Hosting information forums
  • Knowledge management coordination and activities