Monday, July 11, 2005
Why Innovate?
The perpetual tension of technology in libraries: should technology be solely in the service of enhancing library services, or should the technology be explored as a catalyst for innovation in services? This a theme underlying Laura Solomon's new blog, Library Geek Woes. In her latest post, Laura laments that library technology is not backed up by a business plan, that no one asks "Why do we want this new technology?"
It's a balancing act, I think. I have a lot of respect for libraries that push for innovation. Maybe you don't have a clear picture of where you will end up or even why exactly you want to go there, but you have faith in your sense that it's the right direction to go.
That's why OPLIN gives an annual award to libraries for Innovation in Network-Delivered Services. We've given awards to CLEVNET for KnowItNow, the virtual reference system that now is available to all Ohio residents, and their pioneering work with OverDrive to create circulating ebook collections. We've also given awards to the NOLA Regional Library System (a perpetual innovator) for their ListenOhio project (one of the first to bring digital audiobooks to library services), and to the Portage County District Library for their Library Express project.
Yeah, these projects were spearheaded by visionary directors and managers who understood how the "cool technology" served a clear business plan, and that's why they're deserving of an award. But I still applaud the courage of innovators without the clear vision of where they're going, and would love to give the award to a project that failed. And sometimes it's better not to ask "Why?" if asking is just a kneejerk excuse not to move forward.
It's a balancing act, I think. I have a lot of respect for libraries that push for innovation. Maybe you don't have a clear picture of where you will end up or even why exactly you want to go there, but you have faith in your sense that it's the right direction to go.
That's why OPLIN gives an annual award to libraries for Innovation in Network-Delivered Services. We've given awards to CLEVNET for KnowItNow, the virtual reference system that now is available to all Ohio residents, and their pioneering work with OverDrive to create circulating ebook collections. We've also given awards to the NOLA Regional Library System (a perpetual innovator) for their ListenOhio project (one of the first to bring digital audiobooks to library services), and to the Portage County District Library for their Library Express project.
Yeah, these projects were spearheaded by visionary directors and managers who understood how the "cool technology" served a clear business plan, and that's why they're deserving of an award. But I still applaud the courage of innovators without the clear vision of where they're going, and would love to give the award to a project that failed. And sometimes it's better not to ask "Why?" if asking is just a kneejerk excuse not to move forward.
Comments:
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Innovation is important. There isn't enough of it in libraries, and I applaud OPLIN for rewarding it. But in this time of funding crises, is it responsible to go forward with a new technology when the purpose for having it isn't clear?
Probably not. Certainly a business case should be made, especially to examine the hidden costs of support and training.
It's just that so many librarians remain resistant to technology -- to the very tools of their job -- and view technology as something other than the real business of the library. I fear that this attitude creates environments where technology cannot ever fit into a business plan, and the advice to ask "Why?" will always result in the squelching of innovation.
The problem, in other words, isn't in seeking a business plan for technology, but in the lack of good business plans to accept them.
So "Lyren," what is it that's gotten your goat here? Some technology project in particular that seems pointless and wasteful in its context?
It's just that so many librarians remain resistant to technology -- to the very tools of their job -- and view technology as something other than the real business of the library. I fear that this attitude creates environments where technology cannot ever fit into a business plan, and the advice to ask "Why?" will always result in the squelching of innovation.
The problem, in other words, isn't in seeking a business plan for technology, but in the lack of good business plans to accept them.
So "Lyren," what is it that's gotten your goat here? Some technology project in particular that seems pointless and wasteful in its context?
Sorry--shouldn't be "Lyren"--old username on Blogger account and I didn't know it until after I posted the comment.
Is there a particular technology project that "gets my goat?" No. As a tech, I really do like playing with new technologies. My problem has never been the end results--my issue is with the process. As I said in my previous post, I think it is irresponsible to implement something when it doesn't have a clear purpose.
I don't disagree with you about the staff attitudes towards technology--I know that this is a real issue in libraries and yet another reason why libraries will likely die an untimely death. Using the question "why" as an excuse is just that--an excuse. My question is: why can't we just learn to use a clear, rational process where personal attitudes are put aside in favor of what's best for the library?
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Is there a particular technology project that "gets my goat?" No. As a tech, I really do like playing with new technologies. My problem has never been the end results--my issue is with the process. As I said in my previous post, I think it is irresponsible to implement something when it doesn't have a clear purpose.
I don't disagree with you about the staff attitudes towards technology--I know that this is a real issue in libraries and yet another reason why libraries will likely die an untimely death. Using the question "why" as an excuse is just that--an excuse. My question is: why can't we just learn to use a clear, rational process where personal attitudes are put aside in favor of what's best for the library?
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