FDLP Succession Planning

This page shares anonymous comments from two FDLP depository coordinators on the impact of having a succession plan during their early days at their libraries.

This depository coordinator is from a small academic library and had access to succession documentation when they started.

Their predecessor left a USB drive with electronic files which included:

• Past and planned projects
• Processing instructions
• Cataloging procedures
• Other documentation

They also left a private LibGuide which included:

• Logins 
• Contact information
• First Steps

How the information helped them:

• It was helpful having the electronic files available
• It gave an idea where they had started and where they were planning to go
• The most beneficial aspect was their predecessor's willingness to chat about the collection and the library in general
• It inspired the successor to leave their contact information along with all their files on the same flash drive for their replacement
• "My predecessor's willingness to provide advice helped me adjust to my first position out of library school" 

The depository coordinator is from a large academic library and they lacked any information from their predecessor, who had left suddenly. 

Their comments on what would have helped:

• Have contact information for the regional depository library and at GPO
• List of library's selections
• Know guidelines on collection maintenance and weeding
• Provide information on internal workflows
• Find where the FDL collection is located
• Understand how physical items are cataloged and processed
• See how e-resources are made available in OPAC
• Determine how often to evaluate the FDL collection
• Ensure compliance with rules/guidelines set by FDLP
• Preserve institutional knowledge
• Prevent wasted time searching for the information on where to start