Maybe next year . . . Libraries can . . .

Seth Godin nails it again with this great post:

Maybe next year…

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OK, so Seth inspired me to write a library land version with a big tip of the hat to his inspiration:

Maybe next year in our library . . .,

The economy in our town will recover and all taxes will start being paid again;

The stock market will recover and our endowment will start paying out again;

We’ll get a big grant;

We’ll win that bond issue;

My boss will give me the go ahead (and agree to take the heat if things don’t work out);

My personal life won’t interfere with my work life;

There won’t be any competition for readers from e-books;

Technological change will slow down and stabilize (and the price will be very cheap) and I’ll have a chance to catch up;

I’ll get funded for that course so my skills won’t be so out-of-date in this job market and that course will be offered during work hours;

I’ll get a new job (or retire) so investing my time and energy here isn’t worth the effort;

My employer will provide me with all the new equipment and all of the training I need to be a valuable employee who’s not at risk for downsizing;

Everyone in my consortia or organization will agree quicklly and easily and support our vision and efforts;

My equipment won’t be so out of date and I’ll be able to learn how to do mobile, make a video, post to a blog, download an e-book, use a smartphone;

There won’t be any computer viruses to deal with, and the web and social networks will be completely safe and secure;

Everything of value to my job and users will be FREE on the web!

Then … and only then,

I can do my job better;

I can seek to achieve excellent results;

I can offer something new to my users;

I can tell my community everything we do that’s awesome and advocate for libraries;

I can launch my project and make the impact I’ve been planning on.

I can partner with other libraries and vendors;

Set attainable and smart priorities for our future.

Of course, all of these things won’t happen. Why not try anyway?

While others were finding excuses to not be highly successful last year, new initiatives were launched, web courses were offered, new social websites were built, mobile apps were offered, programs and content were expanded, and new library buildings came into being. While others were laying low and hoping not to attract much attention, many library websites got increased new traffic, usage grew by leaps and bounds, web presences were redesigned to modern standards, and new contracts were signed. People had fun and moved forward. While some libraries were stuck in the past, other libraries sought and got budget money that was directed to imaginative projects and pilots, star employees were hired, publicity was gained, and trust was built. Some are more ready for 2011 and some are just another year older.

Most of all, attempts at greatness were tried. It is 2011. It’s not too late, just later than it was. You CAN do it. We CAN do it.

“A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort.”
Herm Albright

Innovators attract attention, sometimes negative and sometimes positive. They usually love the feedback and use it to innovate more. It has become a badge of honour to attract the attention and annoyance of some anonymous library folk. If you do, you know your direction is on the right tact because you’ve poked a stick into the dank and fetid cave of the change averse. You will be on the crest of a wave while they’ll be in your wake swimming harder or maybe drowning. Most dinosaurs didn’t go extinct because the climate changed, they died off because they couldn’t adapt. You can adapt.

Have a great and innovative 2011. Lead from wherever you are. Take along as many folks in your ark as you can. Happy New Year!

Stephen