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What we’re talking about

Lots of media buzz around the STUFF and the EXPERIENCES in libraries, but what does it really mean and when the dust settles, what is the library’s new role? Is it a “new” role at all?

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Power tools

Tool Lending Program at Fletcher Free Library in Burlington, Vermont.

Photo by Flickr user Johinsa.

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Seeds

Richmond Grows Seed Lending Library

Photo from richmondconfidential.org

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Local Music

Yahara Music Library at Madison Public Library, Madison, WI.

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Musical instruments

Make It, Take It Kits at Meridian Library District

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Media attention: THE STUFF

Beyond books and audiovisual material
Local / community created content
Collections encourage participation, not just consumption

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Art openings

ArtWalk at Hartford Public Library, Hartford, CT

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Breakdance Competitions

Let the Rhythm Hit ‘Em at Hedberg Public Library in Janesville, WI

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Murder Mystery Nights

After Dark Productions (UK): literary inspired interactive performances for libraries

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Live Concerts

Loud in Libraries, Champs at Lancaster Library (UK)

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Fashion Shows

Night Light series at Madison Public Library

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Media attention: EXPERIENCES

Creating memories and moments - it’s an opportunity for grown-ups to play
The library becomes a venue
Appeals to 20s and 30s crowd
Library becomes community hangout

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Stuff + Experiences + ??? = Community

Stuff + Experiences + PEOPLE = Community

The “stuff” and the “experiences” might be the shiny objects that get a lot of attention, but at the heart, the library serves as a connecting agent for their users. Those users are being connected to media and materials that they need or want, and to experiences where they learn and grow. But best of all, the library can connect people to OTHER PEOPLE in the community; local musicians, local educators, artists, gardeners, not professionals necessarily, but peers who are interested in seed saving, or sewing, or breakdancing.
R. David Lankes: Connection Management, rather than Collection Management - the importance of cultivating good connections in your community and creating interesting ways to cross-pollinate those connections to enrich the lives of your patrons. You can set up the library as THE PLACE to go to find out who in the community is involved in things like community gardening, community theater, local art shows, the local music scene,

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Looking at your community holistically

What & who is here?
What do people want?
Who can help?
What can the library provide?
How can I be a good connector?

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Make it happen: large scale

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Make it happen: small scale

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Questions?

Find me online!

Twitter: @LauraDM08 & @IArtLibraries

Pinterest: @LauraDM08

laura.damon-moore@squarespace.com

libraryasincubatorproject.org

booktoartclub.org