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
- Complete institutional onboarding and library orientation sessions
- Review library policies, catalog systems, and digital resource platforms
- Meet with library staff and key academic stakeholders to understand needs and expectations
- Begin familiarizing yourself with ongoing projects and services
- Days 31-60: Engagement and Planning
- Develop relationships with faculty and student groups to identify support opportunities
- Participate in academic committees or working groups relevant to library services
- Assess current library programs and propose enhancements aligned with university goals
- Set measurable goals for service improvements and professional growth
- Days 61-90: Implementation and Evaluation
- Launch or contribute to initiatives that improve resource accessibility and user experience
- Deliver workshops or training sessions for students and faculty on research tools
- Collect feedback and document progress toward goals
- Plan for ongoing development and long-term contributions to the library and university community
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.
