Tips to Boost Innovation for You and Your Library: Part 2

摘要

In the August issue of Information Outlook I wrote my first 11 tips for innovation and product development success at your library as a sort of ode to the 25th anniversary of my MLS graduation. This is part two of a three-part series. Watch for the final batch in October. It is unlikely that you match the alpha user profile. I know that as a librarian, I am limited in my ability to connect with the challenges faced by newbie library, Web, or database searchers. I'm not saying that I can't overcome this limitation, but I have to be aware that my training, biases, and experiences have changed my perceptions of the information world. When I am designing services for seniors, kids, teens, challenged communities, the differently abled, or even other professionals such as lawyers or engineers, I need to be aware of and prioritize their needs and competencies over my own. It pays to remind myself that I am not trying to create products and services for mini-librarians.