Collaboration through analysis: A journey in digital content management workflow analysis

Analysing workflows is a vital component in ensuring reliable, long-term preservation, access and support to collections. It further supports goals to involve more diverse voices in the development of workflows and to streamline processes in order to better serve the community. In June 2017, the State Library of North Carolina’s Government & Heritage Library began an extensive evaluation of its digital content management. In the first stage, an interdepartmental working group determined high-level functional requirements for digital content — from acquisition to preservation to access — and conducted an evaluation of the primary tools used. The second stage included interviews with cataloguers, the State Agency Liaison and digital staff, resulting in a complete workflow chart of current processes. The third stage consisted of a workflow analysis and the development of solutions for prominent breakdowns and issues. This article provides a project overview, lessons learned and tactics for analysing library workflows and tools. Through the process, an openness to exploration and evaluation fostered stronger collaborations across disciplines and among different professionals. By taking the time to step back, to look at workflows, to evaluate who is involved and what is used, the library better positioned itself for future projects, collaborations and problem-solving.