Strategic Planning for Reference in a Team Environment

Abstract

In 2003, realignment of library services brought about formation of interdisciplinary teams and the coordination of University of Southern California (USC) libraries’ core services. This article explores how the reference coordinators have used the “Preferred Futuring” planning process as a foundation for successful planning for reference services in this environment. A brief profile of reference services at USC is followed by an overview of the function and operation of Preferred Futuring and its application at USC. The article concludes with a summary of lessons learned in hosting preferred futuring workshops and with a checklist of planning and preparatory steps for conducting a Preferred Futuring workshop.