The document discusses common failures libraries experience when trying to implement new technologies and services. It identifies failures such as assuming what works for one library will work for another, focusing on new technologies without tying them to strategic goals, and taking on projects without allocating adequate staff time and resources. The document then provides recommendations for building an innovative culture, such as questioning assumptions, encouraging staff learning and risk-taking, and involving staff from all levels in planning.

1. Encouraging Innovation in Libraries Meredith Farkas Norwich University

2. We really need to do these Web 2.0 things all the other libraries are doing

3. _____has been so successful at the ___ library; we should do it here too. FAIL #2: Assuming every library is the same

4. Blogs Netflix-like borrowing Patron-driven acquisitions Facebook Twitter FAIL #3: Technolust

6. FAIL #5: Thinking free = no cost

8. 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 ranger

9. So, I’m going to need you to start doing ___, ok? FAIL #7: Assuming more than 40 hrs of work can be fit into a 40-hour work week

10. This will be the best library blog ever! FAIL #8: Assuming all you need is enthusiasm

11. So what’s the problem?

16. 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.

17. 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

18. Building Organizational Capacity for Innovation

19. Question Everything

20. Listen and look for good ideas They can come from anyone and anywhere

21. Encourage staff to learn and play

22. Develop a Risk-Tolerant Culture

23. Beware the Culture of Perfect

24. Be agile, don’t get attached

25. Nurture Talent

26. Give Staff Time for Creative Endeavors

27. Encourage Network-Building

29. Making Innovative Ideas a Reality

30. Know your users

32. Tie innovative ideas to major initiatives or mission/goals

34. Treat technologies as tools Blogs Wikis RSS Facebook IM

35. and use them to solve problems

36. Improve communication with our users

37. Highlight our Collections

42. Make our services more visible

43. Improve internal knowledge sharing

44. Create Partnerships

46. Involve Staff from All Levels in Planning I can haz your cooperation?

47. Plan for the Continued use and Maintenance of Tech

48. Time Must be Devoted to all This

49. Assess, assess, assess!

50. Is your organization (as it is currently structured) able to make all this happen?

51. Any questions? [email_address] AIM: librarianmer Links and presentation at http://meredithfarkas.wetpaint.com

52. 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

53. 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