Aptitude Test

Name:

Email address:

Contact Number:

Important Notes:
 Attempt any 1 case scenario out of 4
 It must be plagiarism free content.
 Do proper research and answer them adequately
 Properly cite in APA
 Do Proofreading after completing the test in order to avoid any grammatical or
punctuation errors
 After completing the test, please save the file on laptop and acknowledge the HR.
 Word count range for this test task is 600-700 words maximum

Question:

SWOT Analysis
The SWOT analysis helps provide information that can assist a library or information center with
understanding its collection and the capabilities needed to operate a system sufficiently. The tool is a
useful device that can be incorporated further into a library or information center’s larger strategic plan.
There are many factors which affect a collection both internal and external. Internally, there are strengths
and weaknesses that need to be identified. The strengths are those with which the library can control and
weaknesses may be items which derail a system or organization from its core goals. Externally, there are
opportunities and threats that should be addressed. Opportunities are those factors which represent a
reason for the collection to exist. Threats, often beyond an organization’s control, can place the whole
operation at risk and impact the library’s core mission. It is with threats where the library and information
center needs to pay particular attention to the risks involved and have a plan to address these if they
occur.
The goal with SWOT is to capitalize on the strengths of the collection and system, minimize the
weaknesses, take advantage of the opportunities, and respond to the threats. In order for a SWOT to be a
productive exercise, be as specific as possible and focused. The SWOT should not be overly complex.
Examine the issues from a user’s perspective and look for causes. Treat internal and external issues
separately, even though there may be possibility of overlap.

Tasks: Review the questions below applicable to SWOT.

Strengths:
 What advantages does the library have?
 What the your chosen library collection’s unique selling position? (i.e., what is their competitive
edge over possible competitors?)

Weaknesses:
 What can be improved?
 What should be avoided?
 What are end users likely to see as weaknesses?
 What factors influence the system not being sold in the market?

Opportunities:
 What good opportunities do you see?
 What trends are you aware of that impact your library collection and system?
 Do any of your weaknesses lend to an opportunity?

Consider changes in technology, changes in policy and procedures, changes in your target population
lifestyle, social changes, and local events.

Threats:
 What obstacles does your library collection and system face?
 What is the competition, if any, doing?
 Are quality standards in our professional changing that impact the standards and specification for
your collection?
 Do any of your weaknesses seriously cause a threat?

Examine each of the four options for the SWOT assignment. You may practice on all four, however you
only need to turn in one fully completed SWOT assignment with chart.
Begin with a brief paragraph that explains and defines what is SWOT. Explain your rationale and analysis
of each of the four sections of SWOT. The analyses should explain why you came up with what you did.
Describe your research process/steps in addressing each section. Report your findings within the
applicable chart for each applicable section. Complete the SWOT chart.
Assignment:
Create a Word document for this assignment. Put your name in the upper right hand corner. Below that,
put your section identifier. Use the type face Ariel 10, and use the same margins and paragraph spacing
as the IOP and Concept Briefing (and this assignment). Save the file as [yourlastname]SWOT.doc.
Skip a few lines.
 Begin with a brief paragraph that explains and defines the purpose of a SWOT analysis.
 Explain your rationale and analysis of each of the four sections of SWOT. The analyses should
explain why you came up with what you did. We are looking for you to tell us what you did and
why.
 Describe your research process/steps in addressing each section. We are looking for you to tell
us how you reached your conclusion – what was your thought process
 Report your findings within the applicable chart for each applicable section.
 Cut and paste the SWOT scenario of your choice (including the scenario description and SWOT
chart) into your assignment document.
 Remove the examples from your chart
 Complete the SWOT chart with your own analysis.
 Save the assignment with the following file name [yourlastnameSWOT ]

Scenario 1: SWOT Analysis for ABC College Library Ornithology Special Collection
Our special collection of bird species books is unique in that it is the fourth largest collection after the
Smithsonian and the only collection in the State of Texas. Our staff are highly motivated and independent
thinkers with expertise in ornithology, though often siloed in their positions. The organization of ABC
College Library can often be complex due to our size and the inflexibility of our policy and procedures.
The users are of a high domain knowledge and dedicated to understanding and learning about
Ornithology. Our circulation statistics of 25,000 per month is exceptionally high as 80% of these statistics
are from our special collections. Our cataloging system is ancient and needs upgrading, but we make do
with what we have. Our staff could use some training on the system to understand the complexity of the
fields and what our users typically search for within the special collection. We have been approached to
become a part of a nationwide consortia of ornithology materials, however have not decided due to our
restructuring. The leadership changes and realignment of departments has caused much confusion
among not only staff, but our core users. Funding has been cut and we are unsure of what the structure
may look like moving forward. Our marketing efforts and outreach still exceed what other departments are
doing, but more can be done to promote this collection.
Strengths Weaknesses
Example: ABC College Library has staff with Example: The system is too complex for our staff
expertise of the subject matter

Opportunities Threats
Example: Create programs in conjunction with Example: Users may go directly to
use of the special collection http://collections.nmnh.si.edu/search/birds/ to
obtain information on the birds and not want to
use our collection
Scenario 2: SWOT Analysis for CCRI Public Library Dog Training Collection
The CCRI Public Library is located in a very populous area of Chicago where 80% of households own a
dog. The library district is has a stable board of directors that is very diverse. The library is currently
funded through voting and has been impacted in the past due to property values and changes in the
economy. The library is one of four within the county, and the largest in physical and collection size. The
community has become more aware of the library because of the exceeding amounts of outreach and the
completion of our new building. Our current ILS needs some updating, but has not been a priority as of
recent because of the construction with the new building. A goal for the upcoming year is to update the
system so that it is more user friendly. The dog training materials have not all been added to the
collection, and fields are often empty causing both staff and users to feel frustrated when trying to locate a
book. Morale was low with the past economic crisis and layoffs that occurred, but since the completion of
the new facility, staff are now more excited than ever. The library needs to stay on top of technological
trends. Hardware and software expenses have been costly, however are critical to the operation of the
organization. We don’t have a stage for holding programs which has been problematic. Our policies and
procedures need to be updated.
Strengths Weaknesses
Example: Reputation in community since our new Example: System is not user friendly and dog
building was completed training materials are not all included within
system

Opportunities Threats
Example: Community participation with dog Example: Funding for services and system
shows highlighting our resources
Scenario 3: SWOT Analysis for ABC Wine Library Collection
The ABC Wine Library Collection focuses on resources for local wineries in the Antelope Valley of Texas
with a small population of 25,000 residents. Laws and regulations related to alcohol can be the most
complex, and the ABC Wine Library offers materials that can assist with this issue plus more. There are
over 350 wineries in the Antelope region alone and our library sits right in the center of the region. The
wineries have won many awards over the years and have high quality product. Many business folks have
tried to start new wineries in the area and been successful which has caused a spike in usage of the wine
library collection. Even with this spike however, this region still only produces 20% of the wine in the US
whereas California alone produces the majority. This is the only library of its kind within this region. The
library director has often found it difficult to hire new staff because applicants do not have the wine
knowledge expertise and most want to move to California over Texas. The system was updated 3 years
ago to reflect the needs of the collection and now includes more fields than traditional systems.
Strengths Weaknesses
Example: ABC Wine Library is strategically Example: Existence of library and collection is
located in the center of the wine region dependent on the business needs of local
wineries

Opportunities Threats
Example: Wineries hold fairs and events where Example: Antelope region has a small population
the library can participate that the library cannot solely rely on
Scenario 4: SWOT Analysis for BQ Environmental Agency (BQEA) Nevada Environmental Library
Collection
BQ Environmental Agency (BQEA) holds a specific library collection of Nevada environmental materials
for internal agency users and researchers. The Agency is not open to the public. All materials are located
in one location despite having three offices within the state. Materials are exchanged via interoffice mail
and USPS. A recent survey of users provided detailed information on collection needs and changes that
should be implemented. Downsizing of the library collection and staff has impacted the service levels. The
library is not used as frequently as hoped because it is both difficult to locate at the central location, has
limited hours, and is deeply hidden within the BQEA internal website. There has been a lack of outreach
and even maintenance of the collection. Despite these issues, the librarian (of 6-months) is determined to
turn the library and its collection around with the idea to increase engagement and improve service levels.
Budget constraints have continued to be a challenge. Technology needs improvement including the
library system that is archaic.
Strengths Weaknesses
Example: Centralized repository of Nevada Example: Lack of prominent location on the
environmental materials BQEA website

Opportunities Threats
Example: Utilize user feedback to increase Example: Decreased library staff
support of the library collection