Developing and Implementing an Organizational Restructure

Moving Away from the Subject Librarian Model

Abstract

In fall 2021 the University of Houston Libraries dissolved its Liaison Services department and subject librarian model. In its place three librarian-domain-specific departments were created: Collections Strategies & Services, Research Services, and Teaching & Learning. This significant organizational restructure re-envisioned the roles and responsibilities of librarians and introduced a functional model of librarianship and library services through an inclusive, collaborative process where all librarians in the department had the opportunity to express their professional aspirations and provide input on future organizational structures. Although not unique, this functional model is rare in academic libraries, where the liaison model is often deeply entrenched into organizational structures and librarian professional identities. This case study details the ideation, implementation, and outcome of this restructure, with transferable insights for others considering organizational changes or restructures.