News & Views, May 2010 (mp3 file; 5.1 MB; 5:23 min.)The Usable Library; Storytimes for SLP; Rainy Days Storytime Kit
When I was doing a quick scan of blogs and twitter feeds a couple of weeks ago--one of my primary means of keeping up with what's going on in libraries--I found reference to a site called 'Usable Libraries." It's a very simple site, but not simplistic--it just cuts to the heart of the matter. The site includes an 8-1/2" x 11" poster to download and print, and the poster is right next to my computer where I see it all day, every day. Its message isn't a new concept, it isn't one that we need to be convinced is good and right. It's just a frequent reminder to me: "Every decision we make affects how people experience the library. Let's make sure we're creating improvements."
It's not that I haven't always tried to create improvements, it's not that I don't know that what we do here at SWILSA affects how you all experience the LSA, it's just that it's good to have that continuous reminder, always in the periphery of my vision--EVERY decision we make affects it. And it's the same for you--I know that you try to create improvements (I see that they're happening!) and you know that what you do affects your users. Somehow, thinking of it in terms of every decision helps to bring me always back to baseline, bottom line. A decision might be something fairly large, such as planning a new program or service, or as basic as whether to take a few seconds to shift focus from what I was doing to smiling as I pick up the phone.
"Experience" is an essential part of this simple, powerful reminder--people don't just come to the library, or just use the library, they experience it. We have a great deal of influence over HOW they experience, and that can seem overwhelming if you always see it through the lens of everything that goes into that experience. There is a time for that macro view but there is also a time; rather, there are LOTS of times for the micro view: every decision. If we make all those decisions, even the smallest ones, with improvements and a good user experience in mind, they will add up to the best experience the library can offer to people.
If you would like a copy of the poster for your library you can find it at usablelibrary.com I would love to see at least one poster in every library. Use it as a reminder that we're here to create improvements, but also as a reminder to yourself at the end of the day that you HAVE created improvements--and give yourself (and any staff you might be fortunate enought to have) a "well done!"
Links from today's podcast:
The Usable Library
SWILSA Youth Services Page
