future of libraries

The Future of Libraries: How Libraries Today are

Changing for the Better

Monica HarrisCustomer Service Manager

Oak Park Public LibraryOak Park, IL

Reaching Forward, May 2013

"We must welcome the future, remembering that soon it will be the past; and we must

respect the past, remembering that it was once all that was humanly possible." - George

Santayana

What is different?

What is different?

What is the same?

Idea Connector

How is doing business changing?

World of Beer and Loyalty Clubs

Square Payment

Strawberry Tree solar powered public charging trees developed by University of Belgrade

What are libraries doing?

"It used to be that there was lots of time, but the information was limited. You

would go to the library, it might take a while, but that's where all the

information was. Now, it's just the opposite. Information is everywhere, but

nobody has any time.

The rules have changed."

MacBook Dispenser at Drexel University Library in Philadelphia

Westport Public Library Makerspace

?What does the library of the future look like?

Case Study 1:Anythink Libraries in suburban Denver, CO

Core Competencies of all Anythink Employees

• I am customer focused.• I am cooperative and a collaborator.• I am understanding and compassionate.• I am a self-starter and have a strong work ethic.• I am flexible and embrace change.• I am an effective communicator.• I am a problem solver.• I am responsible and honest.• I am emotionally mature.• I am a continuous learner.• I am an innovator.• I am a leader.• I am an Anythinker.

Shelver becomes

Wrangler: part product placement, part inventory control, part display technician

Library Assistant/Circ Deskbecomes

Concierge: part customer service, part technology troubleshooting,part product promotion

Librarianbecomes

Guide: part customer education, part reference advocate, part event planning

Case Study 2:Oak Park Public Library in Oak Park, IL

Focused on People

Focused on Materials

Focused on Materials - 2013

Why is getting participatory important?

traditional

participatory

?How do we design this?

Ask for their

feedback

Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History

Offer contests,

games, and opportunitie

s with intrinsic

value

We worked on

Connectio

n

We created the:

oppl.org/events/idea-box

Why Support Staff is our Biggest Brand Asset.

Questions?Monica HarrisCustomer Service Manager Oak Park Public LibraryOak Park, IL

Email: [email protected]: @showlola

future of libraries

Design