Like many large library systems, FCPL searches for ways to better communicate with staff. With a pre-pandemic staffing count of 600 across 23 library locations, the traditional methods of email, weekly newsletters, and even a robust online shared staff intranet just weren't cutting it. FCPL's IT team began exploring opportunities pre-pandemic but really found their stride in 2020 in the use of Microsoft's Power BI application.

Staff have developed apps to easily and seamlessly create, amend and share staff schedules cutting down on multiple posting locations as it is fully accessible on a phone. The Quick Access app shared critical contact and branch information to save time during emergencies and to ensure everyone knows key branch personnel, programs and meeting room bookings. Even public 3-D printing is tracked through Power BI, from incoming requests to completed projects. Power BI has shifted FCPL's thinking around staff communication and data.

Several applications were tested and launched in 2020, with more rolling out in 2021 and planned for 2022. Anticipated outcomes included a streamlined communication and documentation process for FCPL staff, ease of access to information from personal or work devices and convenience for all. A smooth interchange of information between proprietary software and Power BI means one less place for staff to hunt for information, increasing efficiencies in other areas.