avoiding the idea graveyard
DESCRIPTION
For MOBIUS Conference Keynote, June 7, 2011TRANSCRIPT
Avoiding the Idea GraveyardCreating Lasting Change in Libraries
Avoiding the Idea GraveyardCreating Lasting Change in Libraries
Meredith G. FarkasMeredith G. Farkas
http://www.flickr.com/photos/wimmulder/7609964/
The road to the graveyard is paved with good intentions
The road to the graveyard is paved with good intentions
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neilsingapore/5474180800/
We really need to do these Web 2.0 things all the
other libraries are doing
_____has been so successful at the ___ library; we should
do it here too.
Blogs
Netflix-like borrowing
Patron-drivenacquisitions
I think our library really needs
to do ___ to be relevant to our patrons. Don’t worry, I’ll
handle everything.
So, I’m going to need
you to start doing ___, ok?
This will be the bestlibrary blog ever!
So what’s the problem?So what’s the problem?
Why does it fail?Why does it fail?
•The service or technology is not tied to the library’s mission or strategic goals
•It’s considered someone’s “pet project”•Services where the only cost is staff time are often not planned for strategically
•Once the newness wears off, people are less motivated to contribute
•Staff are not given dedicated time to work on new initiatives
Characteristics of effective initiativesCharacteristics of
effective initiatives
They know their usersThey know their users
http://docushare.lib.rochester.edu/docushare/dsweb/View/Collection-4436
http://www.slideshare.net/charbooth/if-you-build-it-will-they-care-1159058
Have clearly-defined goalsHave clearly-defined goals
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ekkebus/5020840511/
Initiatives are tied to Institutional goals
Initiatives are tied to Institutional goals
Involve staff from all levels in planning
Involve staff from all levels in planning
http://flickr.com/photos/weesmalldoll/432578986/
Plan for the continued use and maintenance of tech
Plan for the continued use and maintenance of tech
http://flickr.com/photos/stshores24/488419188/
Treat technology as toolsTreat technology as tools
http://www.flickr.com/photos/zakh/337938459
And use them to solve problemsAnd use them to solve problems
http://www.seedwiki.com/?wiki=antioch_university_new_england_library_staff_training_and_support_wiki
Create PartnershipsCreate Partnerships
Create PartnershipsCreate Partnerships
Time must be devoted to the ProjectTime must be devoted to the Project
http://flickr.com/photos/cayusa/2574029855/
Assess, assess, assess!Assess, assess, assess!http://www.flickr.com/photos/richardstowey/3032598054/
Building organizational capacity for 2.0
initiatives
Building organizational capacity for 2.0
initiatives
Question everythingQuestion everythinghttp://flickr.com/photos/scampion/1500054745/
Look for good ideas everywhere!Look for good ideas everywhere!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenjude/848723658/
Encourage staff to learn and playEncourage staff to learn and play
Develop a risk-tolerant cultureDevelop a risk-tolerant culture
http://flickr.com/photos/tollaksen/967960/
Beware the culture of perfectBeware the culture of perfect
http://flickr.com/photos/unloveable/2401166750
Be agile, don’t get attachedBe agile, don’t get attached
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stevenjude/848723658/
Give staff time to be creativeGive staff time to be creative
Encourage Network-buildingEncourage Network-building
Encourage Network-buildingEncourage Network-building
Are we there yet?Are we there yet?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/quirky/3151208015
Questions?Find me at
meredith.wolfwater.com/wordpress
mgfarkas (at) gmail.comflickr, twitter: librarianmerfacebook: meredithfarkas
Questions?Find me at
meredith.wolfwater.com/wordpress
mgfarkas (at) gmail.comflickr, twitter: librarianmerfacebook: meredithfarkas
Slides and links athttp://meredithfarkas.wetpaint.com
http://www.flickr.com/photos/trucolorsfly/2401196653/