Ideas, strategies and programs for the innovative library

For Immediate Release
Thu, 02/26/2015

Contact:

Rob Christopher

Marketing Coordinator

ALA Publishing

American Library Association

312-280-5052

rchristopher@ala.org

CHICAGO — 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.  Edited by Anthony Molaro and Leah L. White, “The Library Innovation Toolkit: Ideas, Strategies, and Programs,” published by ALA Editions, offers numerous snapshots of innovation in action at a range of libraries. Featuring a foreword by R. David Lankes, this stimulating collection showcases 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 innovation;
  • strategies for getting library staff and other stakeholders on board and engaged, complete with a step-by-step toolkit for achieving innovative outcomes;
  • ways to expand the library beyond its walls to deliver exceptional and innovative services to library users;
  • money-saving initiatives that use technology to improve users’ experience;
  • innovative uses of library spaces, such as designing and implementing a digital media lab;
  • examples of creative programming, from running a C2E2-style comic convention and creating an “idea” forum to re-envisioning a children’s writing club and launching Readtember, a month of literacy programs featuring zombies, dads and gaming.

Molaro is assistant professor in the MLIS Program at St. Catherine University in St. Paul, Minnesota. He is currently researching makerspaces and learning labs in public libraries. His other research and teaching focus is on public services, management and leadership. He has written and presented on a variety of library topics. He blogs at The Information Activist Librarian and you can follow him on Twitter @infoactivist.

White is head of popular materials at the Ela Area Public Library District in Lake Zurich, Illinois, and a member of the Adult Reading Round Table Steering Committee. She won the Library Journal Movers & Shakers Award in 2012. You can find her on Twitter @leahlibrarian or check out her website.

ALA Store purchases fund advocacy, awareness and accreditation programs for library professionals worldwide. ALA Editions publishes resources used worldwide by tens of thousands of library and information professionals to improve programs, build on best practices, develop leadership, and for personal professional development. ALA authors and developers are leaders in their fields, and their content is published in a growing range of print and electronic formats. Contact us at (800) 545-2433 ext. 5052 or editionsmarketing@ala.org.