In between library jobs, I was able to focus on agile applications to HR processes specifically, and to what I gingerly refer to as overall bureaucratic engineering operations in general. I am back in a reference librarian position, although only part time, which affords me the opportunity to re-examine the application of agile thinking/management/leadership to business and instructional processes in a university library and in higher education. So we begin…
A blog I discovered, maddimclark.workpress.com, maintained by LIS student Maddison Clark at Durham College, reminded me of the centrality and criticality to LIS studies of Ranganathan’s Five Laws:
- Books are for use.
- Every reader his / her book.
- Every book its reader.
- Save the time of the reader.
- The library is a growing organism.
I like the way Maddison expanded the five laws:
- Books are for use.
- Resources, location, faculties and location are now more accessible to people
- Longer hours of service ( open Saturdays and Sundays , Winter/ fall hours, Summer/ Spring hours )
- Digitalization – books are being downloaded to E books, audio books, DVDs , computers access, Free Wi-Fi, larger print ( etc.)
- Select the materials the patrons will used
- Having libraries near or in other services ( example: sport centres)
- Every Reader his / her Book
- Diverse interests – different genres, nonfiction and fiction satisfy patrons
- Access to all information and readings
- To understand Patrons needs/ wants , librarians must find what they want
- Have a fair amount of multiple collections ( not too much of one subject)
- To have books for all patrons
- Every book Its reader
- A book is useful for every individual
- Every book has its own place/ belonging
- Organize in a way patrons can access quickly & efficient
- Librarians should announce new books with newsletters/ posters/ websites
- Have the proper classification for the type of library
- Save the time of the Reader
- Librarians should have the books in area that is quick access to all quickly and effectively
- Have library classify into the three main classifications ( Dewey, Colon, Library of congress) to find books for user’s quickly
- Provide guides and booklets for patrons that are efficient and easy to access for materials, books, texts and audio and video
- Have the proper staff that are available and know their library
- The library is a growing organism
- The library is always growing with new materials of fiction & non fiction
- Digitalization
- Digital / visual reference desk service
- New programs and events
- Growing and developing of content of information and knowledge
to be continued…
And just because I like it:
