Library as incubating space for innovations: practices, trends and skill sets
| Date | 01 July 2006 |
| Published date | 01 July 2006 |
| Pages | 370-378 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/01435120610702369 |
| Author | Xin Li |
| Subject Matter | Library & information science |
Library as incubating space for
innovations: practices, trends and
skill sets
Xin Li
Instruction, Research, and Information Services Division,
Cornell University Library, Ithaca, New York, USA
Abstract
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to discuss library transformation and creative approaches in
public services.
Design/methodology/approach – Using classic business conce pt and drawing on Cornell
University service examples, changing customer demands and library’s ability to innovate and
respond to customers are assessed. The critical skills needed for library to remain competitive are
outlined.
Findings – In order for libraries to remain relevant to their customers, they must follow the
fundamental rule of business, that is, to supply what is demanded by their market. Library staff skills
and library services all have to shift from book-centric to user-centric.
Practical implications – As the academic library continues to redefine its role in teaching and
research in the digital environment, it needs to leverage its strengths, such as physical space and
collections, and to innovate responsive and convenient services.
Originality/value – The ideas presented in this paper are most useful to library managers and
leaders as they address service weak points or the design and development of user-centric,
value-added library services.
Keywords Academic libraries,Library management, Informationoperations, Information services
Paper type Conceptual paper
1. Understand the business
For centuries, the research library has been an integral part of the higher education
process. The 2003 OCLC Environment Scan remarked: “Simplistically, libraries and
archives came into being to provide a central location for hard-to-find, scarce,
expensive or unique materials. Scarcity of information is the basis for the modern
library... In some countries where access to information is now akin to access to
electricity or water, the reason to have freestanding storehouses of a subset of all
information is harder to articulate” (De Rosa et al., 2005). The internet opened up the
world of information to the information seekers. This development greatly influences
user behavior and forces libraries to transform from the traditional and passive role of
a content curator, organizer, deliverer, preserver into a much more active role in the
whole learning experience. An array of new library services has been developed and
tested. Along with them is the continued quest for the library’s role in the digital age. A
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at
www.emeraldinsight.com/0143-5124.htm
An earlier version of this paper is presented at the 2006 Changchun International Library
Conference in China. The author wishes to thank Anne Kenney and Karen Calhoun for their
inspiration and editing of this paper.
LM
27,6/7
370
Received 6 June 2006
Revised 8 June 2006
Accepted 13 June 2006
Library Management
Vol. 27 No. 6/7, 2006
pp. 370-378
qEmerald Group Publishing Limited
0143-5124
DOI 10.1108/01435120610702369
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