A library or information services advisory or steering committee can be helpful in making sure the program is responsive to agency needs. Representation from as many other divisions or programs as possible will result in a broad understanding of agency priorities, changes over time and program-specific issues.
Example From the Field
Wisconsin DOT’s Research and Library Advisory Committee is an example of an internal committee with members from various divisions, though this group tends to be more involved with research than library services.
Collaborative forums or informal gatherings provide opportunities for interactive learning and knowledge sharing. Transportation librarians or information services staff can host gatherings to highlight specific agency research, provide library-specific training or facilitate brown bag presentations on a wide range of topics. The subject of the forum does not have to be related to libraries and information services. Simply hosting or facilitating meetings will remind agency staff of the library’s presence and value.
Example From the Field
Washington State DOT Research and Library Services Office hosts bimonthly Webinar Wednesdays to highlight agency research results.
Holding open houses, hosting focus groups, conducting annual symposiums or participating in research and innovation showcases can enhance awareness and raise the profile of the library or the information services that the agency provides.
Example From the Field
Oklahoma Transportation Library hosts workshops for agency employees on the library’s resources and services. Open houses, focus groups or annual symposiums such as Vermont Agency of Transportation's 2021 virtual Research and Innovation Symposiums are all events that bring people together, even if only virtually, to learn about information services, research or related topics.
Assisting with the onboarding of new agency staff is only one way transportation libraries and information centers engage with the users of the information resources they manage.
Transportation librarians can reach out to new employees to learn about their interests and identify ways the library can support the new staff person in future efforts. Offering orientations to new or current employees can initiate positive relationships and provide a concentrated marketing opportunity. Results of a study published in the summer of 2020 included a survey of special librarians that identified some key orientation practices:
Information services providers can reach out to specific divisions, programs or staff to discuss unique needs and resources. Presentations can be made at program meetings, but simply speaking with program management or other influencers can have lasting positive impacts. Information services staff could be temporarily or permanently embedded in other program areas. Additionally, librarians and others can reach out to individual districts or regions to understand unique needs.
Given the multitude of potential information sources and repositories, search engines and data tools, information specialists are in a good position to mentor agency staff in navigating this landscape for research and decision-making. They can share this data expertise across the agency and illustrate the depth of value they can bring. As MnDOT Library recognized in its June 2017 strategic plan:
In the next 5 to 10 years, information management will include more opportunities with data. Librarians must understand and apply data, analytics and emerging technologies. There will be a need for “data scientists,” who have a certain mindset. There will be more usage of data visualization software. Librarians must facilitate learning and adapt quickly in cross-disciplines, collaborate and deliver strategic outcomes and value. They must be proficient marketers and brand advocates. For current staff, this will take time to develop.