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Utilizing Workflow Analysis to Build a Culture of Continuous Process Improvement

November 12-14, 2024

12:00-2:00 pm CT

This workshop is hosted live over three consecutive days. Course Instructor asks that you reserve the listed hours for both live instruction and course exercises.

Ticket Cost: $190/ single ticket, $170/ group ticket 

Attendees will learn how to complete a workflow analysis from start to finish, and how to then instruct others in the organization to do the same.

The ultimate goal of this approach is to build a work culture that empowers all staff to continually recognize and address issues, from simple to complex. This hands-on workshop will focus on common workflow issues, project scoping and management, capacity constraints, and partner analysis. Real-life examples will be used to demonstrate a sustainable methodology, and via group exercises participants will have an opportunity to practice various strategies for engaging with partners to gather key data and secure buy-in.

The workshop will also include how to use freely available web-based tools for mapping and sharing workflows, how to leverage these tools to accommodate different learning styles, and how to apply universal design principles to make workflow maps accessible. This session is appropriate for beginners and those with some experience.

Following the workshop, participants will be able to: 

  • understand the basics of workflow analysis (i.e. purpose, techniques, tools).
  • apply universal design principles to make workflow maps accessible.
  • implement strategies to empower staff to conduct workflow analysis projects.
  • build partner buy-in when enacting workflow changes.
  • manage capacity challenges to establish sustainable process improvement.

AUDIENCE LEVEL: Beginner

PARTICIPATION: Audience participation will include polls, breakout discussions, and collaboration on shared documents. Participants will be encouraged to ask questions and share feedback throughout the workshop.

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS: Zoom with access to a microphone and optional video.

COURSE OUTLINE: To be shared with registered course attendees prior to the course start date.

Meet Your Course Instructors

Heather Shoecraft
Head of Metadata Services
University of Michigan Library

Heather Shoecraft is the Head of Metadata Services at the University of Michigan Library (U-M Library). She provides leadership for the unit by seeking innovative policies, efficiencies, and practices which provide continuous, reliable access to the University Library’s resources. Prior to this, she served as Chair of Technical Services Workflow Team, the Library Services Platform Workflow Manager as U-M Library migrated from Aleph to Alma, and as the Training Specialist for Technical Services at U-M Library. She received an undergraduate degree in art history, with a minor in German, and a graduate degree in information science from the University of Michigan. Heather has over ten years of practical workflow analysis experience and specializes in helping colleagues navigate the challenges of completing their own workflow analysis projects.

Michael Diaz
Electronic Resources Librarian in Technical Services
University of Michigan Library

Michael Diaz is the Electronic Resources Librarian in Technical Services at the University of Michigan Library (U-M Library), where he is responsible for the continuous assessment of departmental workflows and for licensing electronic resources. He previously worked in the Order Unit at the U-M Library and contributed to projects documenting acquisitions workflows. Before joining the library in 2022, Michael taught English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) and was an instructional designer for six years. He has a graduate certificate in TESOL from the New School, a master’s degree in Medieval Studies from Fordham University, and an undergraduate degree in English and Anthropology from the University of Miami.