Admin Tap-In
Brooklyn Public Library
Innovation Synopsis
Through BPL’s Tap In program, library administrative staff took over operations for a day at each of our 61 locations, allowing branch teams a day together to reconnect and recharge. The initiative not only supported library staff cohesion and morale, but also gave administrative staff valuable hands-on experience with day-to-day operations, deepening their connection to the communities we serve and to one another. By prioritizing our people, we strengthened our culture and ensured every team member felt seen and appreciated.
Challenge/Opportunity
In 2022, BPL identified “Staff Supports” as a key priority in its Strategic Plan update, aiming to reinvigorate a sense of unity and collaboration. During the pandemic, public service staff experienced sustained anxiety, fear, grief, and uncertainty while maintaining their commitment to their communities. As such, BPL reprioritized making staff feel valued, addressing burnout, and enhancing teambuilding and collaboration across the system.
Opportunity: Branch tap-ins were conceived to address these challenges by providing hands-on support, fostering a stronger team culture, and offering administrators a fresh perspective on daily operations.
Key Elements of Innovation
Structure: Every Friday, staff from various library departments tapped-in to take over branch operations, enabling public service staff to go on a retreat. Admin staff from non-public service departments (e.g., IT, Strategic Planning, Marketing) were given a short tutorial of branch operations and were paired with experienced public service admin staff.
Implementation: Branch supervisors received a small stipend to facilitate activities and teambuilding exercises, focusing on fun and togetherness.
Goals: Rejuvenate staff morale, strengthen team bonds, and give administrative staff hands-on experience with day-to-day branch operations.
Key Partners: Public service admin staff, branch supervisors, non-public service departments.
Innovation: Unique blend of cross-departmental collaboration and experiential learning; admin staff gained valuable insights into public service operations. Officially reached all 61 BPL branches by January 26, 2024.
Achieved Outcomes
Impact: Over 60 locations and 700+ public service staff benefited from the Tap-In program, with branch staff reporting stronger, more resilient teams. Admin staff looked forward to Tap-Ins on Fridays, reconnecting with BPL’s mission and with one another.
Success Metrics:
Increased team cohesion and morale among branch staff.
Enhanced admin understanding of daily branch life, leading to more informed decision-making.
Partnerships:
New cross-departmental relationships were forged, bridging the gap between admin and branch staff.
Strengthened connection between decision-makers and community needs.
Feedback:
Positive response from both staff and the public, with branch staff appreciating the support and patrons expressing gratitude.
Admin staff reported a deeper connection to their roles after seeing community needs up close and strategizing ways to support their colleagues.
Recognition: BPL shared this innovative model at ALA 2024.
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