The Fridge: internal communications at the State Library of Victoria
| Pages | 863-868 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/02640470910998588 |
| Published date | 02 October 2009 |
| Date | 02 October 2009 |
| Author | Greg Honeyman |
| Subject Matter | Information & knowledge management,Library & information science |
The Fridge: internal
communications at the State
Library of Victoria
Greg Honeyman
Manager Marketing & Public Affairs, State Library of Victoria, Melbourne,
Australia
Abstract
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to advise the Library sector about the existence of a new
approach to internal communications, in the form of an intranet which delivers “fresh news daily”,
similar in format to a major online newspaper.
Design/methodology/approach – In 2007, and prior to the launch of its redeveloped intranet, the
State Library of Victoria revolutionised its internal communications with the introduction of The
Fridge – a new, online, daily news service. A small icon – in the shape of a fridge – was posted on the
desktop of every Library staff member.
Findings – Today, The Fridge has become a widely used and highly trusted Library tool. It has
demonstrated an enhanced commitment to “real-time” employee communication through the ability to
deliver freshnews and important informationdaily. It has demonstrably increasedmorale, productivity,
performanceand retention of valued staff, andhas played a key role in quantifiably liftingthe operating
“climate” of the workplace. It has helped to build a stronger workplace community.
Research implications – Because of its “real-time” capabilities, The Fridge is used as an internal
market research tool. It has been used to gauge employee opinions and feelings on a range of subjects,
the responses to which can be fed back within hours.
Practical implications – Recent Fridge research has asked staff for their opinions on a range of
topics, including their favoured subjects for future articles. The Fridge is used daily by the CEO and
Executive to pass on critically important information about the organization, thus avoiding the
dreaded “everyone” e-mails. The Fridge is also used to post daily updates on current events and
“What’s on” activities.
Originality/value – This paper introduces a revolutionary and unique new approach in internal
communications to Libraries, with the ability to transform internal communications.
Keywords Employee communications, Intranets;Library management, Australia
Paper type Case study
Introduction
There are, of course, innumerable strategies and tactics that an organisation can
employ in the service of its internal communications effort. This paper outlines just on e
of those undertaken at the State Library of Victoria (SLV).
In November 2006 the State Library of Victoria took a bold new approach to its
internal communications with the introduction of The Fridge – an online, daily “news”
service. A small icon – in the shape of a fridge – was posted on the desktop of every
Library staff member. Staff were invited to click on the icon at any time, every day.
When they did so, their computer screen filled with the image of an actual fridge
covered in “post-it” notes, photographs and postcards. These bits of paraphernalia –
including a video box – contained Library news and intervi ews, plus profiles of staff,
Library users and supporters.
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at
www.emeraldinsight.com/0264-0473.htm
The Fridge:
internal
communications
863
Received 5 February 2009
Revised 22 February 2009
Accepted 23 February 2009
The Electronic Library
Vol. 27 No. 5, 2009
pp. 863-868
qEmerald Group Publishing Limited
0264-0473
DOI 10.1108/02640470910998588
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