A workflow for workflows: Case management at the University of Notre Dame Hesburgh Libraries

Abstract

The University of Notre Dame Hesburgh Libraries strives to be a transformative research library that acquires, preserves, organises and stewards knowledge in all forms. This includes the creation of digital collections using rare, unique and/or high-interest materials. Prior to the efforts described in this paper, there was a great deal of siloing among the different units charged with stewarding the digital collection process at Hesburgh Libraries. The Digital Collections Workflow (DCW) team was convened as a way to bridge the gaps between units to improve efficiency and reduce redundancy. This paper provides a detailed analysis of the state of digital collections work at the Hesburgh Libraries before, during and after the DCW process. The authors will discuss in detail the design and implementation of the case manager methodology and the Digital Collections Oversight team that was born out of the DCW discussions.