Creativity in library work

Public libraries are amazing creative engines for staff, for patrons, and for communities!

I think this is one of the under-discussed competencies for good librarians; but the ability to be creative is so important for everyone in a public library in all kinds of situations.

It is probably obvious in the Children's department, where people expect creative things to happen, pictures to be drawn, glitter to be spread, and other examples of creativity from both staff and patrons. Even the decorating and furniture in this area is often very creative and cool. Check out some of these great places: https://www.pinterest.com/sbplsystem/childrens-libraries/ And of course, this is great! I want to go visit these libraries, and play with their toys!

And we see a lot of creativity in YA departments as well - all the better to entice this population into the library for our cool things, and hopefully inspiring them to be life-long library supporters! Look at a few of the neat projects libraries doing with YAs: http://www.libraryasincubatorproject.org/?tag=young-adults.

And we can push that creativity into all areas of our work. One big issue every public library needs to be handling is advocacy. Here is some great stories about libraries using digital advocacy projects: http://publiclibrariesonline.org/2015/10/share-your-librarys-impact-with-digital-advocacy/.  I am big fan of storytelling - it helps connect your listener to the important issue you want to cover. Here are some good suggestions: http://www.techsoupforlibraries.org/blog/how-to-advocate-for-your-library-through-storytelling. And of course, the needs of public libraries transcend borders - here are some examples of European libraries advocating for themselves! http://www.publiclibraries2020.eu/

Expand that to other areas of library work. I'm in the middle of a research project on job ads, and I can tell you so far it's pretty grim. Think about adding some color to these! You want to entice people to come work for  your library, so tell them what it is like, the interesting things that happen, the things they might enjoy outside of work: whitewater rafting, breakfast at Tiffany's - whatever your location has to offer! (And always put in a salary, or a salary range!! Don't waste everyone's time.)

I have done research into stress in libraries (more details on that in a future post), and I think that focusing on ways to bring creativity into the work you are doing each day can help you to handle some of the stress that is going to happen. Do something new, try something that seems too hard, talk to different people. Use colored pens. Draw pictures. Bring bubbles to work. Plant some flowers or herbs to share in the library. Just try something that may work for you!

Feel free to share some stories of library creativity in the comments!