Starting a new role as a university librarian involves understanding the institution's resources, engaging with faculty and students, and managing library services effectively. A 30-60-90 day plan provides a structured approach to navigate these initial months, setting clear objectives and milestones to ensure success.
This plan helps new university librarians to:
- Establish familiarity with the library's collections, digital resources, and cataloging systems
- Build relationships with academic departments, faculty members, and student organizations
- Identify opportunities to support research, teaching, and learning through library services
Whether you are stepping into a leadership role within the library or joining as a subject specialist, this customizable template supports your onboarding journey with actionable goals and progress tracking.
Benefits of a 30-60-90 Day Plan for University Librarians
Adopting a structured plan during your first three months offers several advantages:
- Provides a clear roadmap tailored to the unique responsibilities of academic librarianship
- Accelerates your integration into the university community and library team
- Helps prioritize tasks that enhance student and faculty engagement with library resources
- Facilitates early identification of professional development needs and collaboration opportunities
Main Elements of the University Librarian 30-60-90 Day Plan
This plan is organized into three progressive phases, each with specific objectives, tasks, and evaluation criteria:
- First 30 Days:
Orientation and Assessment
<li>Complete institutional onboarding and library orientation sessions</li> <li>Review library policies, catalog systems, and digital resource platforms</li> <li>Meet with library staff and key academic stakeholders to understand needs and expectations</li> <li>Begin familiarizing yourself with ongoing projects and services</li></ul>
- Days 31-60:
Engagement and Planning
<li>Develop relationships with faculty and student groups to identify support opportunities</li> <li>Participate in academic committees or working groups relevant to library services</li> <li>Assess current library programs and propose enhancements aligned with university goals</li> <li>Set measurable goals for service improvements and professional growth</li></ul>
- Days 61-90:
Implementation and Evaluation
<li>Launch or contribute to initiatives that improve resource accessibility and user experience</li> <li>Deliver workshops or training sessions for students and faculty on research tools</li> <li>Collect feedback and document progress toward goals</li> <li>Plan for ongoing development and long-term contributions to the library and university community</li></ul>
Throughout this plan, maintain detailed notes on your experiences, challenges, and achievements. Regular check-ins with supervisors and peers will help align expectations and provide support as you grow into your role.
By following this structured 30-60-90 day plan, university librarians can confidently navigate their onboarding period, build meaningful connections, and lay the foundation for a successful and impactful career in academic librarianship.
