Recently in change Category

Governing Magazine has again published two must-read articles about libraries.  Revolution in the Stacks talks about how libraries are changing roles in our changing world.  The article features libraries that have reinvented themselves by creating teen spaces, embracing Library 2.0, serving as community gathering spaces, and facilitating the creation of content.  A companion article, Getting in the Game discusses whether video gaming belongs in libraries.  I recommend that library workers and trustees read these articles, not only for their interesting content, but because local governmental officials are reading them.

> contributed by Rick

ALA distributed a pamphlet at the annual conference entitled, “Libraries transform communities: ideas and inspiration for transforming your library.” The publication takes a brief look at four libraries that risked change and transformed services by identifying and meeting challenges and promoting new programming and opportunities through marketing strategies. Also included is advice these institutions would give to other libraries contemplating transformation.

Here are the ten tips included in the pamphlet for creating change:
1. Be passionate about libraries
2. Think strategically and create a vision to guide the future
3. Step outside the box
4. Never stop learning
5. Be willing to take risks
6. Become the change you want to see
7. Build a culture that welcomes and rewards change
8. Think all library, all the time
9. Raise the library’s profile
10. Believe that everything is possible

The publication also includes tools to get started, marketing tips and a bibliography with resources broken down by library type. Additional information on library transformation from the ALA conference sessions are on the conference Wiki. If you would like more information about this publication, please contact me.

"Change is inevitable except from vending machines."

>> contributed by Holly