encouraging innovation in libraries
TRANSCRIPT
Encouraging Innovation in Libraries
Meredith FarkasNorwich University
We really need to do these Web 2.0 things all the other libraries are
doing
_____has been so successful at the ___
library; we should do it here too.
FAIL #2: Assuming every library is FAIL #2: Assuming every library is the samethe same
Blogs
Netflix-like borrowing
Patron-drivenacquisitions
FAIL #3: TechnolustFAIL #3: Technolust
FAIL #5: Thinking free = no costFAIL #5: Thinking free = no cost
I think our library really needs to do ___ to be relevant to our
patrons. Don’t worry, I’ll handle everything.
FAIL #6: The lone rangerFAIL #6: The lone ranger
So, I’m going to need
you to start doing ___, ok?
FAIL #7: Assuming more than 40 hrs FAIL #7: Assuming more than 40 hrs of work can be fit into a 40-hour work of work can be fit into a 40-hour work
weekweek
This will be the bestlibrary blog ever!
FAIL #8: Assuming all you need is FAIL #8: Assuming all you need is enthusiasmenthusiasm
So what’s the problem?
Why does it fail?• The service or technology is not tied to the
library’s mission or strategic goals.
• The service or technology is considered someone’s “pet project.”
• Services where the only cost is staff time are not planned for strategically.
• Once the newness wears off, people are less motivated to contribute.
• Staff are not given time to work on new initiatives.
Library 2.0 is a state of mind
•Working to meet changing user needs
•Trusting our users (radical trust)
•Getting rid of the culture of perfect
•Aware of emerging technologies and opportunities
•Looking outside of the library world for applications, opportunities, inspiration
Building Organizational Capacity for Innovation
Question Everything
Listen and look for good ideas
They can come from anyone and anywhere
Encourage staff to learn and play
Develop a Risk-Tolerant Culture
Beware the Culture of Perfect
Be agile, don’t get attached
Nurture Talent
Give Staff Time for Creative Endeavors
Encourage Network-Building
Making Innovative Ideas a Reality
Know your users
Tie innovative ideas to major initiatives or
mission/goals
Treat technologies as tools
BlogsWikis
RSS
IM
and use them to solve problems
Improve communication with our users
Highlight our Collections
Make our services more visible
Improve internal knowledge sharing
Create Partnerships
Involve Staff from All Levels in Planning
I can haz your cooperation?
Plan for the Continued use and Maintenance of
Tech
Time Must be Devoted to all This
Assess, assess, assess!
Is your organization (as it is currently
structured) able to make all this happen?
Any questions?
[email protected]: librarianmer
Links and presentation athttp://meredithfarkas.wetpaint.com
Photo Credits• Long Range Plan Discussion http://flickr.com/photos/maubrowncow/2763362494/ by Nebraska Library
Commission
• O&E Staff and Board Planning Meeting http://www.flickr.com/photos/tyreseus/494325133/ by atp_tyreseus
• Free as in Beer http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicmcphee/2345633527/ by Unhindered by Talent
• Sprout attacks a kleenex box http://www.flickr.com/photos/asimpledarksquid/1187308493/ by Squid!
• TBLC Annual Meeting http://flickr.com/photos/sylvar/287940515/ by Sylvar
• RPFF Portraits & Features #4 http://www.flickr.com/photos/tsarkasim/4079152105/ by Tsar Kasmin
• Amazing PowerPoint Presentation http://flickr.com/photos/maubrowncow/2763362494/ by maubrowncow
• Slide from “If You Build It, Will They Care?” http://www.slideshare.net/charbooth/if-you-build-it-will-they-care-1159058 By Char Booth and Chris Guder.
• Dewey or don't we? http://flickr.com/photos/scampion/1500054745/ By scampion
• RISK #2 http://flickr.com/photos/tollaksen/967960/ by Bjornar
• Perfection http://flickr.com/photos/unloveable/2401166750/ by unloveable
• sunny day http://flickr.com/photos/iamthebestartist/2226165685/ by jessamyn
• IMG_2016.JPG http://flickr.com/photos/stevenjude/848723658/ by stevenjude
Photo Credits• Toolbox full http://www.flickr.com/photos/zakh/337938459/ by Austin ampersand Zak
• Wait: I’ll fix it. http://flickr.com/photos/stshores24/488419188/ by sshores24
• Farm Cat Group http://flickr.com/photos/weesmalldoll/432578986/ by weesmalldoll
• The Spongebob Square, Er, Roundpants Juggle http://flickr.com/photos/cayusa/2574029855/ by Cayusa
• Rapid Shuffle http://flickr.com/photos/latitudes/66424863/ by Johnny Blood
• sunny day http://flickr.com/photos/iamthebestartist/2226165685/ by jessamyn
• IMG_2016.JPG http://flickr.com/photos/stevenjude/848723658/ by stevenjude
• Toolbox full http://www.flickr.com/photos/zakh/337938459/ by Austin ampersand Zak
• Wait: I’ll fix it. http://flickr.com/photos/stshores24/488419188/ by sshores24
• Farm Cat Group http://flickr.com/photos/weesmalldoll/432578986/ by weesmalldoll
• The Spongebob Square, Er, Roundpants Juggle http://flickr.com/photos/cayusa/2574029855/ by Cayusa
• Hot Air Balloon Man http://www.flickr.com/photos/richardstowey/3032598054/ by Richard Stowey