innovation: the language of learning libraries

InnovationThe Language of Learning Libraries

LOEX of the West 2010

Welcome

M.J. D’EliaLearning and Curriculum Support Librarianmdelia@uoguelph.ca

Randy OldhamWeb Development Librarianroldham@uoguelph.ca

Objectives

• Connect innovative practice to learning organizations

• Learn simple strategies to foster more innovative thinking

• Recognize the value of play to productivity

Free association

How is a library like _____?

Free association(Debrief)

University of Guelph Library

• Mid-sized research university – Undergraduate, graduate & professional programs– Over 20,000 students

• McLaughlin Library– Social sciences, sciences, humanities & arts– Popular with students (computers + coffee)– 11,000+ visitors a day– 120 staff, 25 librarians

Organizational Renewal

• Transition from liaison librarian model to functional team model– Increased flexibility and responsiveness– Do more with less

• Revisited our core values– Highlighted the importance of innovation– Need to improve creative problem solving

Key questions

• Can anyone learn to be innovative?• Can innovation be nurtured and developed?• What does such an environment look like?• What does innovation mean to libraries?• How do leaders promote creativity?• Does a more innovative library better support

student learning?

Innovation boot camp

Learning personashelp the organizationavoid becoming toointernally focused

The Anthropologist Learning persona

see with fresh eyes

The Experimenter Learning persona

learn bydoing

The Cross-Pollinator Learning persona

connectcultures

Organizing personashelp good ideasmove forward inthe organization

The Hurdler Organizing persona

see throughconstraints

The Collaborator Organizing persona

breakdown

silos

The Director Organizing persona

showcasethe team

Building personashelp the organizationturn good ideas into great projects

The Experience Architect Building persona

make theordinaryextraordinary

The Set Designer Building persona

shape thespaces

The Caregiver Building persona

show moretell less

The Storyteller Building persona

collectcompellingnarratives

Build challenge

Build challenge

• Challenge:– Build the tallest free-standing structure– Start from the floor

• Materials:– 50 drinking straws– 15 cm of masking tape

• Time: 10 minutes

Build challenge(Debrief)

Key themes

• Work is play / play is work• Innovation is a social process• The importance of space• Constraints can be enablers• Creativity is a practice

work is play / play is work

work is play / play is work

innovation is a social process

innovation is a social process

the importance of space

the importance of space

constraints can be enablers

constraints can be enablers

creativity is a practice

creativity is a practice

Build your ownBoot Camp

Motivation

• Autonomy– Our desire to be self-directed.

• Mastery– Our urge to get better at stuff.

• Purpose– Our desire to do something meaningful.

For more information on Innovation Boot Camp visit:http://innovationbootcamp.wordpress.com/

Images from Innovation Boot Camp 2010 were taken by Robin Bergart. Additional images are from www.flickr.com and used under the Creative Commons (see list below):

The Anthropologist: premasagar (magnifying glass)The Experimenter: mybloodyself (purple test tubes)The Cross-Pollinator: Martin LaBar (bee & flower)The Hurdler: leadfoot (man hurdling)The Collaborator: oooh.oooh. (blue handshake)The Director: Matthew Stinson (conductor & orchestra)The Experience Architect: Kelly Sue (cupcake)The Set Designer: marfis75 (concert & hands)The Caregiver: Drul (smile closeup)The Storyteller: Martin Cathrae (campfire & forest)

Image Credits