1) The document discusses systems thinking, an approach that views problems as parts of interconnected systems rather than isolated issues, and how it can benefit librarians. 2) It identifies behaviors of systems thinkers like seeing interactions rather than blaming parts, and opportunities it provides like improved problem solving and partnerships. 3) Barriers to systems thinking are discussed like short-term thinking, but tools provided include the "five whys" root cause analysis technique.

1. Systems Thinking for Librarians: An introductory discussion May 1, 2009 Lorri Zipperer, Cybrarian, ZPM Instructor Saskatchewan Libraries Conference, Saskatoon SK April 20-May 2, 2009

5. A Method of Problem Solving A resilient and confident patient safety culture Develop collective mindfulness Isolate causes and affix blame Serious errors & patient harm Symptomatic Solution Fundamental Solution Delay Delay Side Effect B B R Dampened conversation about small errors and “work-arounds” Fear about being blamed R © Keith McCandless SOCIAL INVENTION GROUP, Seattle, WA

7. Linear vs Systems Thinking Ollhoff J, Walcheski M. Making the jump to systems thinking. The Systems Thinker. June/July 2006;17(5):9-11 Try to identify patterns Are concerned with assigning blame Are concerned with the underlying dynamics Try and fix the symptoms Are concerned with process Are concerned with content Are concerned with the whole Break things into component pieces Systems Thinkers Linear Thinkers

8. Linear vs Systems Thinking, cont’d Ollhoff J, Walcheski M. Making the jump to systems thinking. The Systems Thinker. June/July 2006;17(5):9-11 Believe organizations are unpredictable in a chaotic environment Believe organizations are predicable and orderly Care about content but are more attentive to interactions and patterns of communications Care only about the content of communication Try to find patterns amid the chaos Try to control chaos to create order Systems Thinkers Linear Thinkers

15. The Five Whys Time Place Root Object Subject Objective Why? Why? Why? Cause Why? Why? www.burton.co.uk/cit/images/cit02.gif