Innovation In Public Libraries

Innovation in Public Libraries: Learning from International Library Practice examines the recent activities of successful and innovative libraries around the world, presenting their initiatives in areas including library design, events and programs, and creating customer experiences. This timely guide provides an overview of these libraries’ successful experiences and identifies emerging global trends and themes. The author offers library practitioners guidance on how to pursue these trends in their own library environment, identifying achievable goals when planning building and design improvements, and developing customer interactions in order to emulate the experiences of international libraries. Presents a range of successful and innovative practices in one book, covering library innovation in building design, programs and events, and in customer experience and approach Provides an international perspective on library activities, with libraries in different countries discussed Analyzes the experiences of various libraries to identify common trends and themes Provides practical advice for librarians who wish to emulate the activities of the libraries discussed, with recommended goals to action Examines both the big picture of emerging global trends and themes, as well as highlighting the daily experiences of individual libraries

Innovation in Public Libraries: Learning from International Library Practice examines the recent activities of successful and innovative libraries around the world, presenting their initiatives in areas including library design, events and programs, and creating customer experiences. This timely guide provides an overview of these libraries' successful experiences and identifies emerging global trends and themes. The author offers library practitioners guidance on how to pursue these trends in their own library environment, identifying achievable goals when planning building and design improvements, and developing customer interactions in order to emulate the experiences of international libraries. Presents a range of successful and innovative practices in one book, covering library innovation in building design, programs and events, and in customer experience and approach Provides an international perspective on library activities, with libraries in different countries discussed Analyzes the experiences of various libraries to identify common trends and themes Provides practical advice for librarians who wish to emulate the activities of the libraries discussed, with recommended goals to action Examines both the big picture of emerging global trends and themes, as well as highlighting the daily experiences of individual libraries

The New Public Library is an in-depth design study of an exemplary collection of recent public libraries, and the historical precedents that have informed and inspired their development. An introductory overview presents seven critical themes that characterize public library design, past and present, highlighting the expressive architectural potential of this unique and important building type. A survey of over 40 historically significant libraries traces the development of the building type over time, with a primary focus on precedents from the US and northern Europe, where the modern public library originated, and its design has been most comprehensively developed. A selection of nearly 50 contemporary projects from the past 30 years focuses on the most current developments in public library design, with a diverse and varied collection of work by over 35 regional, national, and international design firms. Highly visual in its presentation, the study includes 885 color photographs and illustrations, and 195 scale drawings.

This volume of Advances in Library Administration and Organization takes as its underpinning theme the whole subject of innovation in Library and Information Services. It considers the various types of innovation through case studies and exemplars both from within the LIS sector and other cognate industries and environments.

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 innovationStrategies for getting library staff and other stakeholders on board and engaged, complete with a step-by-step toolkit for achieving innovative outcomesWays to expand the library beyond its walls to deliver exceptional and innovative services to library usersMoney-saving initiatives that use technology to improve users’ experienceInnovative uses of library spaces, such as designing and implementing a digital media labExamples 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 gamingThis valuable sourcebook encourages readers to take big risks, ask deeper questions, strive for better service, and dream bigger ideas.

Far from heralding their demise, digital technologies have lead to a dramatic transformation of the public library. Around the world, libraries have reinvented themselves as networked hubs, community centres, innovation labs, and makerspaces. Coupling striking architectural design with attention to ambience and comfort, libraries have signaled their desire to be seen as both engines of innovation and creative production, and hearts of community life. This book argues that the library’s transformation is deeply connected to a broader project of urban redevelopment and the transition to a knowledge economy. In particular, libraries have become entangled in visions of the smart city, where densely networked, ubiquitous connectivity promises urban prosperity built on efficiency, innovation, and new avenues for civic participation. Drawing on theoretical analysis and interviews with library professionals, policymakers, and users, this book examines the inevitable tensions emerging when a public institution dedicated to universal access to knowledge and a shared public culture intersects with the technology-driven, entrepreneurialist ideals of the smart city.

Innovations in library services are rapidly developing within numerous areas including building design, program and event planning, patron experience and engagement, literacy program development, and administration and management. To ensure these changes are implemented and considered successfully, a closer look at the challenges, trends, and practices of these innovations is crucial. Technological Advancements in Library Service Innovation examines the recent activities of successful and groundbreaking research and practices around the world surrounding library service innovation and presents various forward-thinking initiatives. It also provides an overview of libraries’ successful experiences, identifies emerging global themes and trends, and offers guidance to library practitioners on how to pursue the recent trends in their own library environment. Covering topics such as technology adoption and organizational structures, this book is ideal for library professionals, researchers, academicians, instructors, and students.

As technology advances and the skills required for the future workforce continue to change rapidly, academic libraries have begun to expand the definition of information literacy and the type of library services they provide to better prepare students for the constantly-developing world they will face upon graduation. More than teaching the newest technologies, information literacy is expanding to help students develop enduring skills such as critical thinking, creativity, problem solving, communication, teamwork, and more. Innovation and Experiential Learning in Academic Libraries: Meeting the Needs of 21st Century Students addresses the multitude of ways that academic librarians are collaborating with faculty and helping students develop these enduring skills by developing and integrating active and experiential learning approaches into teaching activities. This book is divided into three sections. The first section explores the role that library leaders play in supporting and advocating for innovation in information literacy and library services. The second section features case studies from librarians who are implementing novel and multidisciplinary approaches to information literacy and innovative services, such as maker scholarship, digital humanities, undergraduate research experiences, and new active learning strategies. These case studies also highlight how the COVID-19 pandemic has transformed teaching and learning in academic libraries. The final section looks to the future, providing guidance to information professionals on the issues and technologies that will drive transformations of information literacy in the coming years, such as artificial intelligence and new information literacy applications. As such, library administrators, academic librarians, information literacy practitioners, and technologists will benefit from this book.