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The Experimental Library: A Guide to Taking Risks, Failing Forward, and Creating Change
The last five years have demonstrated that sticking with the status quo is not an option; instead, as the experiences of many libraries has shown, those that experiment are better positioned to adapt to rapidly changing environments and evolving user needs and behaviors. This guide shows how to draw from new approaches and technologies to harness experimentation as a tool for testing ideas and responding to change. It borrows ideas and inspiration from the startup sector to teach you how to take a human-centered and design thinking-based perspective on problem solving. Inside this book, you will discover
184 pages, Paperback
Published December 14, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
July 7, 2024
So happy to see such a book written for our profession.
We are at the perfect place and time to embrace an R&D mindset. We have all the check marks to make it so. We know how to research, focus on our visitors, and work with constraints.
Our profession is ripe for sparks of change.
This book took a scan on all the research and put it in one spot. UX components, human centered design (IDEO), design thinking, interactive and service design and so on.
I would add to look into systems design and maturity stages; Placemaking taught me the lighter-quicker-cheaper approach (permission to try something!) and Nina Simon in her fantastic book Participatory Museum taught me the benefits of engaging and working with visitors.
While I would have loved to read about libraries that fit the extermination bill and other innovative libraries, it would date the book quickly.
We are at the perfect place and time to embrace an R&D mindset. We have all the check marks to make it so. We know how to research, focus on our visitors, and work with constraints.
Our profession is ripe for sparks of change.
This book took a scan on all the research and put it in one spot. UX components, human centered design (IDEO), design thinking, interactive and service design and so on.
I would add to look into systems design and maturity stages; Placemaking taught me the lighter-quicker-cheaper approach (permission to try something!) and Nina Simon in her fantastic book Participatory Museum taught me the benefits of engaging and working with visitors.
While I would have loved to read about libraries that fit the extermination bill and other innovative libraries, it would date the book quickly.
December 21, 2023
Unbearable to read. DNF about halfway through it.
It's scattershot, poorly researched, reads badly.
The last straw was the childish and denigrating retooling of the LGBTQ+ initialization. I couldn't take anymore.
If you took a research course with your MLS/MLIS, you will be completely fine. Fall back on that. You don't need this book.
Overall, into the bin with this one. Dumb AF. I wish I could give it negative stars.
It's scattershot, poorly researched, reads badly.
The last straw was the childish and denigrating retooling of the LGBTQ+ initialization. I couldn't take anymore.
If you took a research course with your MLS/MLIS, you will be completely fine. Fall back on that. You don't need this book.
Overall, into the bin with this one. Dumb AF. I wish I could give it negative stars.
January 10, 2024
The Experimental Library is a game-changer for information professionals seeking to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of libraries in the 21st century. One of the standout features is how it effectively conveys that experimentation is not reserved for those with massive budgets or specific job titles. The emphasis on fostering a culture of experimentation is a breath of fresh air, recognizing the value of curiosity in both daily tasks and long-term projects.
The author skillfully introduces readers to design thinking, a human-centered problem-solving approach, and guides them through the IDEEA process (Ideate, Design, Experiment, Engage, Assess).
An indispensable resource for information professionals seeking to thrive in an era of rapid change. Its engaging writing style, coupled with practical examples and a comprehensive roadmap, makes it an excellent read for anyone looking to refresh the culture in their library.
The author skillfully introduces readers to design thinking, a human-centered problem-solving approach, and guides them through the IDEEA process (Ideate, Design, Experiment, Engage, Assess).
An indispensable resource for information professionals seeking to thrive in an era of rapid change. Its engaging writing style, coupled with practical examples and a comprehensive roadmap, makes it an excellent read for anyone looking to refresh the culture in their library.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews