encouraging innovation in libraries

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

Facebook

Twitter

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

Facebook

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?

mgfarkas@gmail.comAIM: 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