Sunday, November 6, 2011

NYLA '11: 21 More Ideas for 21st Century Libraries

This program was presented by husband-wife team: Rob Cullin and Kimberly Bolan Cullin and discussed 21 innovations to improve library customer service, facilities, technology, and more.
I liked that they emphasized the point that libraries now are the community and cultural hubs of society, serve as collaborative spaces, and technology centers. We need to adapt to this changing world in order to maintain our place in it. The Cullins emphasized using the lean thinking business strategy in libraries; improve quality, reallocate resource, eliminate waste, and reduce costs.
Best ideas below:
  • using iPads for roaming reference
  • Nonfiction is being weeded constantly out of libraries
  • In 5-10 years, eReaders will be prevalent in society.
  • Organize the library as a popular, shoppable library
  • Eliminate spine out book-shelving, for children especially; covers out shelving
  • combined service points; reference and circulation at the same desk
  • supported self-service-staffed, self served
    •  pulled pick up- private holds
  • Skype station for reference inquiries
  • Co-working space
    • for two small business owners to meet in the library, etc.
  • Librarians need to be technology experts.
  • Allow eating and drinking in the library
    • special cafes
  • Sound and multimedia- incorporate these ideas into your library
***I will upload the presentation when it becomes available.

Cullins, Kim and Rob. "21 More Ideas for 21st Century Libraries." Saratoga Hilton, New York Library Association Conference. Saratoga Springs, NY. 3 Nov. 2011.

1 comment:

  1. I like these! Sounds like the conference is going well! Seriously though, allowing eating and drinking in libraries is fantastic. Cornell University does it and there are ALWAYS people there, snacking while they work. The iPad idea is really exciting too. I can't wait until I can go to one of these things!

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