Dream big when planning for the future

The thought of technology planning often musters up groans and grumbles--it's no easy task. But what if your library mixed it up, made it a bit more interesting, and involved the public?

Shaw Simonsen, the librarian at the Barnesville branch of the Lake Agassiz Regional Library in Barnesville, MN, recently shared a program her library system initiated to spark the imagination of community members and library supporters around what a library of the future might look like.

The Barnesville Library was named a “Library of the Future” by her system, a designation that encourages the library board, staff, and community members to “dream big” about the services her library can offer. The library has organized focus groups and task force committees, and has crafted surveys to capture ideas and determine how best to use this information. Much of the discussion has been around technology and public computers, but other topics, too, "I was only open 29 hours a week, and I'm now open 38 hours a week. And that's all from the surveys," Shaw offered.

What a creative way to frame and initiate a plan for the future! Getting feedback from the community is key, and why not dream big? You never know what may come out of it.

According to Shaw, “they picked Barnesville because of my proximity to Moorhead and because I'm up for anything.” (I met Shaw at ALA, and I can attest that she's up for anything. Her energy and ideas are inspiring!)

And speaking of technology plans, the fine folks over at WebJunction just released a new version of TechAtlas—check it out!

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