Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Creative thinking
Powered by a network of 8,000 "spotters" Springwise looks for "smart new ideas delivering instant inspiration to entrepreneurial minds." Check it out for the latest and greatest innovative ideas.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Trendspotting article - are libraries the new business hubs?
The February 26, 2010 issue of The Kiplinger Letter: Forecasts For Management Decisionmaking has an interesting paragraph about libraries in its Growing Business section.
It notes....
"Are libraries the new business hubs? Cities across the U.S. are planning to follow the lead of Seattle and Salt Lake City, as well as Amsterdam, Barcelona, Brisbane, Australia, and Turin, Italy, in building modern multipurpose libraries complete with multimedia labs, recording & broadcast studios, conference rooms...even manufacturing workshops. The centers also often house nonlibrary businesses: Bank branches, child care centers, post offices, medical clinics, coffee bars and more. Seattle says its multiservice library....built in 2003...is a huge success, crediting it with bringing business and economic benefits to the downtown location. Added library revenue will repay the $150-million to $200-million cost in eight years."
Convenience X 100. That last sentence adds the exclamation mark.
It notes....
"Are libraries the new business hubs? Cities across the U.S. are planning to follow the lead of Seattle and Salt Lake City, as well as Amsterdam, Barcelona, Brisbane, Australia, and Turin, Italy, in building modern multipurpose libraries complete with multimedia labs, recording & broadcast studios, conference rooms...even manufacturing workshops. The centers also often house nonlibrary businesses: Bank branches, child care centers, post offices, medical clinics, coffee bars and more. Seattle says its multiservice library....built in 2003...is a huge success, crediting it with bringing business and economic benefits to the downtown location. Added library revenue will repay the $150-million to $200-million cost in eight years."
Convenience X 100. That last sentence adds the exclamation mark.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Snapshot Day
The recent ILA initiative, Snapshot: One Day in the Life of Illinois Libraries held on Wednesday, February 10 was a wonderful opportunity to showcase the value of all we do. The flickr site created to host pictures has more than 90 libraries posting snapshots!
My own library was inspired to create a Snapshot Booklet, which we are using as an outreach platform to increase awareness, support, and promote beneficial partnerships. These special snapshot day booklets include pictures, statistics, and customer comments. They will be provided to elected officials as part of our "Personal Visit Initiative 2010" as a visual reminder that underscores the vibrancy of library services, activities, and need for funding/support.
ILA's Advocacy Committee is to be commended for their dedicated work and state promotion of this successful event. I would love to see a National Snapshot Day initiative, wouldn't you?
My own library was inspired to create a Snapshot Booklet, which we are using as an outreach platform to increase awareness, support, and promote beneficial partnerships. These special snapshot day booklets include pictures, statistics, and customer comments. They will be provided to elected officials as part of our "Personal Visit Initiative 2010" as a visual reminder that underscores the vibrancy of library services, activities, and need for funding/support.
ILA's Advocacy Committee is to be commended for their dedicated work and state promotion of this successful event. I would love to see a National Snapshot Day initiative, wouldn't you?
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