The Library Innovation Toolkit: Ideas, Strategies, and Programs - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0838912745 ISBN 13: 9780838912744

Publisher: ALA Editions, 2015

Synopsis

Progress for the sake of progress is all too often a drain on precious time and resources. The communities and users that libraries serve are always changing; true innovation helps libraries adapt to meet their needs and aspirations both now and in the future. This stimulating collection offers numerous snapshots of innovation in action at a range of libraries, showcasing ideas and initiatives that will inspire librarians at their own institutions. Among the topics covered are

• The importance of creating organizational structures that lead to innovation
• Strategies for getting library staff and other stakeholders on board and engaged, complete with a step-by-step toolkit for achieving innovative outcomes
• Ways to expand the library beyond its walls to deliver exceptional and innovative services to library users
• Money-saving initiatives that use technology to improve users experience
• Innovative uses of library spaces, such as designing and implementing a digital media lab
• Examples of creative programming, from running a C2E2-style comic convention, creating an idea forum, to re-envisioning a children s writing club and launching Readtember, a month of literacy programs featuring zombies, dads, and gaming

This valuable sourcebook encourages readers to take big risks, ask deeper questions, strive for better service, and dream bigger ideas.

About this title

About the Author

Dr. Anthony Molaro is Assistant Professor in the MLIS Program at St. Catherine University in St. Paul, Minnesota. He is currently researching makerspaces and learning labs in public libraries. His other research and teaching focus is on public services, management, and leadership. He has written and presented on a variety of library topics.
Leah L. White is Head of Popular Materials at the Ela Area Public Library District in Lake Zurich, Illinois, and a member of the Adult Reading Round Table Steering Committee. She won the Library Journal Movers & Shakers Award in 2012. She enjoys reading comic books, Instagramming pictures of her pets, and spending too much time (and money) in independent bookstores.

Review

"For libraries and librarians looking for ideas off the beaten track, this book will provide some excellent ones. Recommended for public and academic librarians." --Catholic Library World

This book should be included in any professional literature collections for libraries looking to innovate. But above all other audiences, this book is for those in libraries looking to be inspired and to do something new. As R. David Lankes says in his introduction, '[t]his book is one side of a conversation; add the other side. Link these ideas into your practice, but also
deeper concepts and theories. Use these ideas, these points, these work plans as
a foundation for a larger personal network of innovation. If readers of this book take on Lankes challenge, the field will be better for it." --Technical Services Quarterly

About this edition

• Publisher: ALA Editions
• Publication date: 2015
• ISBN 10: 0838912745
• ISBN 13: 9780838912744
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 216
• Editor: Molaro Anthony, White Leah L.