Panel Presentation by Elliot Felix from session at ACRL 2015 Conference "Turn Your Library Into an Idea Engine: Creating the Ideal Creativity Space." Covers how to cultivate the mindset, skill set, tool set, programs, and settings for creativity.

1. ©brightspot strategy ACRL Creativity Engine 1
Fostering Creativity
ACRL 2015
With Steven Bell, Joe Lucia, and Jean Shipman
(Part of “Turn Your Library Into an Idea Engine: Creating the Ideal
Creativity Space”)
March 20, 2015

2. ©brightspot strategy ACRL Creativity Engine 2
context for creativity
To support creativity, libraries can move from the commons to
studio archetype, approach creativity through the lens of
projects, and consider spaces, services, and staffing together.
From Commons to Studio Think Space, Services, & Staffing
Chattanooga Public Library – 4th floor
Projects!

3. ©brightspot strategy ACRL Creativity Engine 3
approach to creativity
To support creativity, libraries should consider the mindset,
skillset, toolset, programs, and settings together.
mindset
Projects!
skillset
toolset
programs
settings
Stanford d.school

4. ©brightspot strategy ACRL Creativity Engine 4
mindset
To cultivate the mindset for creativity, libraries can emphasize a
human-centered approach, build comfort with ambiguity,
promote sharing, and transparency, and enable “flow.”
Parsons Studio Csikszentmihalyi “Flow”

5. ©brightspot strategy ACRL Creativity Engine 5
skillset
To apply the mindset, people need to build skills in teamwork,
storytelling, risk taking, iteration, pattern-recognition, and
convergent/divergent thinking.
Kantor-Isaacs Four Player Model
Projects!
Storytelling (at Penn State Media Commons)
Prototyping and Iteration (©IDEO) MOVE OPPOSE
FOLLOW
BYSTAND
advocacy --à
inquiry--à

6. ©brightspot strategy ACRL Creativity Engine 6
toolset
The tools and techniques of creativity bring the mindset and
skillset together, including both physical tools, digital tools, and
tools that bring physical and digital together.
Projects!Basic Supplies (Stanford)
Film and Media (Seattle)
Basic Tools (Stanford) Electronics (Exploratorium)
Digital Fabrication (NC State) Sewing / Specialized Equip.

7. ©brightspot strategy ACRL Creativity Engine 7
programs and staffing
Activities and programs create opportunities for people to apply
and improve the mindset, skillset, and toolset of creativity to
solve real-world problems and connect with each other.
Projects!
Georgia Tech Invention StudioChattanooga Public Library – 4th floor

8. ©brightspot strategy ACRL Creativity Engine 8
Stanford d.school
spaces and settings
Creativity also needs the right settings with the right attributes.
This includes versatile spaces that support the full range of
project activities, showcasing space, storage, and equipment.
Univ of Sussex InQBate CETL Image ©InQBate
NYU Interactive Telecommunications Program Studio

9. ©brightspot strategy ACRL Creativity Engine 9
getting started
Some tips for getting started fostering creativity within your
library and beyond.
1. Take an inventory what’s already
happening and showcase it
2. Find your lead-users / champions to
partner on design and operations
3. Tap into on-campus experts for
programs and events
4. Remember to create the space’s
calendar along with its floorplan
5. Staff the space with a “host” to
operate and animate it
6. Pick a descriptive name! (Walk the
talk and stand-out)

10. thank you!
elliot@brightspotstrategy.com
@elliotfelix
www.brightspotstrategy.com
@brightspotter