Transform and Thrive: Ideas to Invigorate Your Library and Your Community

by Dorothy Stoltz, Gail Griffith, James Kelly

"Successful libraries are those that continuously learn to listen and respond, prioritizing an organizational approach that encourages library staff to work with each other as well as the community to create opportunities to thrive. In this book the authors demonstrate how it boils down to applying a handful of straightforward principles. This book walks readers through how to: identify the community's motivating factors; create a culture of learning at the library; apply courage, curiosity, and creativity to cope with challenges; ask the right questions to get the right answers; draw out creative ideas from both staff and the community; and use creativity exercises for both individual and group problem solving"--

Genres: Nonfiction, Librarianship

168 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2018

Reviews

[Danny Reid · Rating 1 out of 5]

The 'ideas' in the title are absent, instead quoting corporate CEOs and historical figures in transparent attempts to be 'inspirational'. It's one of those books that does the "such-and-such is defined in such-in-such dictionary"-level analysis. The book also screams that libraries must, MUST be neutral while quoting no one but white men and only mentioning programs that would cost any mid-to-small sized library an exorbitant amount of cash. Embarrassed I wasted my institution's money on it.

[Amanda Kendall · Rating 2 out of 5]

A bit more broadly philosophical than is particularly useful for my library. I can see how it could serve, for example, a metropolitan library, but overall, it's odd that "transform" and "invigorate" are the goals of the book, but the book is primarily concepts by Plato, Socrates and Carnegie.

[Cherie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Was looking forward to help with new ideas for programming, but mostly about a philosophical perspective of why creativity in libraries and lots of ideas from dead white men. Some stuff of interest, but not super helpful for my library. Would have preferred more practical ideas and planning.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Philosophy heavy, with the usual outreach ideas. Love the chapter on management though, that is worth a standalone reading.

[Dana Williams · Rating 1 out of 5]

I found the bulk of this book unhelpful. It uses a lot of white male writers/philosopher quotes and references to drive forward chapters, and none of the ideas are very innovating or unique. It's just very odd in today's library world.