I've just been reading the September/October 2012 copy of the American Library Association magazine and I came across an article by Meredith Farkas that I thought was interesting. See the article here: http://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/columns/practice/let-s-makeithappen
The article is all about not being scared to bring up new ideas/ways of doing things. I don't think this modern library design in the Netherlands was dreamed up by people who hated change!
" If you want to make something happen, the biggest thing holding you back may be you". - Meredith Farkas
Libraries are all about change and for that to happen positively we need people who are willing to speak up and get their ideas out there on the table.
That said, its not always as easy as this sounds! I can relate when Farkas mentions that she had only been out of library school for a year when she saw an area she thought could use improvement. When I first started working in the library, I had so many ideas that I felt very passionate about but was way too scared to mention them to anyone! As I've grown in confidence and knowledge though, I don't feel so apprehensive about getting my ideas out there. I mean, whats the worst that could happen? My ideas won't always work or be received positively but that doesn't mean I should stop voicing them. I find it helps to mention it to a trusted colleague first before somewhere like a staff meeting. Then, if they see an obvious flaw you will only be embarrassed in front of them!
In
this article Farkas mentions that it's often easier to come up with
ideas when you are relatively fresh to the profession. While I agree
with that, its also hard because you feel like you don't have any experience/a right to speak up.
Finding or teaming up with people who have a similar vision to you may help. Two brains will always be better than one :) I know for me personally, I have a great team of people I work with that are willing to hear out my ideas and I trust their feedback.
This has definitely made me more confident in coming up with ideas and thinking outside the square.
The future of libraries is going to change- that much is obvious. I guess it all depends now on how we ( the passionate, foward thinking people!) are going to approach it.
I highly recommend reading this article- I've also just read on Twitter that Meredith has presented a paper at the LIANZA conference 2012- I have some conference envy right now!
Thanks for reading- I'd love to hear some comments from some like-minded people- here or on Twitter @JuliadeRuiter
Julia :)
P.S. Just realised this is my second post on change- I must love it!
