CASE STYDY
Creating a Website and Digital Foundation Designed For Organisational Continuity
The Pacific Rim Research Libraries Alliance (PRRLA) is an international alliance whose secretariat rotates between institutions and countries.
That structure makes continuity especially important. Websites, documents, accounts, brand assets and organisational knowledge all need to be transferable from one secretariat to the next.
PRRLA initially approached the work as a website redevelopment. Through the strategy process, it became clear that the project was also an opportunity to strengthen how digital responsibilities, information and organisational knowledge would be managed over time.
KEY AREAS: Website strategy · Membership · Role-based access · Organisational continuity · Document management · Ongoing support
ORGANISATION CONTEXT
A global alliance with a rotating secretariat
PRRLA’s website had evolved over time alongside the organisation.
As responsibilities changed and more functions became connected to the platform, the team wanted a clearer, more sustainable foundation for member services and future handovers.
Rather than simply redesigning the existing website, PRRLA took the opportunity to step back and examine how the website fitted into the organisation’s wider digital environment.
WHAT THE STRATEGY PROCESS REVEALED
Important questions that went beyond the website
The project began with a website review and evolved into a broader strategy process. Through stakeholder interviews and workshops, we identified key questions about how PRRLA manages content, engages its diverse membership and maintains continuity as the secretariat role changes hands.
The discovery process highlighted not just techincal needs, but organisational, governance and resourcing considerations that would shape a more sustainable digital future.
Key questions inlcuded:
- How can we reduce reliance on a single administrator?
- What's the best way to structure and maintain content across a rotating secretariat?
- Who can we ensure the website remains current and valuable over time?
- How can we make it easier for members to contribute?
- What functionality will best support knowledge sharing, events and collaboration?
- How can we build a flexible foundation that can adapt as the alliance evolves?
THE APPROACH
A structured redevelopment with a focus on people, process and continuity
01
Member-centered platform
We redeveloped the site with a cleaner structure, imporved navigation and a clearer pathway for diffenent audiences; members, researchers and the wider community.
02
Member-centered platform
We redeveloped the site with a cleaner structure, imporved navigation and a clearer pathway for diffenent audiences; members, researchers and the wider community.
03
Member-centered platform
We redeveloped the site with a cleaner structure, imporved navigation and a clearer pathway for diffenent audiences; members, researchers and the wider community.
WHAT CHANGED
A more capable and sustained member platform
The new website gives PRRLA a clearer structure, improved content management and a stronger foundation for the future.
It's earier for members to find and share information, and the allicance now have the tools and documentation to manage the site with confidence as the secretariat changes hands.
Key outcomes:
- Clearer information architecture and navigation
- Role-based permission and contribution workflows
- Simplified content management
- Documentation and training for incoming secretariats
- A flexible platform that can grow with the alliance
THE MOST IMPORTANT OUTCOME
Organisational continuity
PRRLA now has a website and digital foundation that supports long-term stability.
The project has reduced reliance on indicivuals, preserved institutional knowledge and given the alliace greater confidence to adapt and grow in the future.
ONGOING SUPPORT
Continued technical care and peace of mind
Zero Point Develpoment continues to support PRRLA with ongoing techincal maintenance and advice through the WP Wingman service, helping them keep the site secure, up-to-date and aligned with their evolving needs.
WHY THIS MATTERS TO SIMILAR ORGANISATIONS
Supporting membership organisations with changing people and priorities
Many membership and network organisations face similar challenges; changing people, evolving priorities and the need for sustainable digital systems.
This project shows how a clear strategy, stakeholder input and a flexible technical foundation can create a website thats supports continuity, collboration and long-term impact.
READY TO EXPLORE A SIMILAR PROJECT?
Is your website too dependent on institutional knowledge?
A strategic and techincal foundation can help you build a more sustainable platform, reduce risk and make it easier for your organisation to adapt and grow.
I help membership organisations build websites that are easier to manage, more resilient and ready for what's next.
Talk to me about your project