Libraries have existed for thousands of years and through the ages have already adapted and changed to meet the demands and needs of human society. Starting out as the domain of only the ruling class, religious orders, or the wealthy, libraries evolved over time into our modern definition of a library as a community hub. A place of learning. A place for meeting, for connecting. And at the same time a place for reflection and quiet solitude.
Our current digital age has definitely sparked a new evolutionary step for the local library, but has by no means reduced its relevance. Rather than being a place where information is collected and stored, a 21st-century library is an interactive portal where information flows in and out. Understanding the new broader definition of information and really tuning into a community's needs is what allows libraries to thrive and not only maintain, but actually increase relevancy into the future.
At Roger Henshaw Consultancy Services we use our expertise to help libraries transition into dynamic entities, meeting community needs into the future. Through in-depth work in service review, strategic planning, communication planning, stakeholder engagement and research we provide creative and innovative solutions for all aspects of library management.
Properly understanding the current state, effectiveness, accessibility and usefulness of their library's buildings and services enables staff to plan appropriately for everything - from grant applications, budget bids and required reporting, through to developing a future vision.
Roger Henshaw Consultancy Services has experience in a diverse range of services to libraries and the wider cultural sector:
Established in 2006, collectively our team of library professionals has over 100 years of practical library experience across the entire library and information sector.
Through our work, we have assisted our clients to critically examine their current service delivery models, develop new service delivery models, create meaningful and practical strategies (strategic, business and marketing plans), and to better understand the needs of their staff, communities and other key stakeholders. RHCS has also advised and informed clients regarding the context within which they operate, contemporary standards and best practice; and how to maximise delivery and resourcing through partnerships and collaborations.
We observe, analyse and review your practices to ensure your organisation and your staff are working efficiently and harmoniously.
Roger Henshaw is the Principal and Founder of Roger Henshaw Consultancy Services (RHCS). Roger also has over 30 years local government experience, including 13 years at a senior management level in public libraries, museum, gallery, archives, visitor information and customer services.
Roger's experience and expertise includes:
Victoria joined RHCS in April 2013 and brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the consultancy.
She has worked in academic, special and public libraries in a variety of roles, and most recently as a Consultant with Public Library Services at the State Library of NSW. In this role, she provided a support and advisory service to public library staff throughout NSW.
Victoria’s experience and expertise includes:
Victoria’s skill and expertise as an editor, writer and grant-maker mean she is able to provide expert assistance with, for example, the preparation of annual reports, library newsletters, writing for social media and applications for grant funding.
Steve O’Connor has much experience managing and planning for the futures of major organisations. He is the author of over 60 articles and a presenter at conferences many times over nationally and internationally, most recently, extensively across China. He is the Editor of Library Management and the newly created Library Management China.
Steve is the author of a book on Scenario Planning revealing in a practical manner how to enable libraries and information services to break out of their strategic mould and to create new futures for their organisations.
He has conducted scenario planning projects for many libraries and also for Lyrasis which is the largest Library Consortium organisation in the United States.
Steve has worked in libraries most of his career including managing two major academic libraries. He was the CEO of CAVAL, a not-for-profit company providing a range of services to all sectors of libraries, and is currently Adjunct Professor, School of Information Studies at Charles Sturt University (NSW).
Steve's experience and expertise includes:
