by: Andy
In watching the ever brilliant Sir Ken Robinson’s most recent TED talk (seriously, read this post and then go watch it, or vice versa), I thought of one question to ask my professional peers in libraryland:
Are you a fast food or Zagat/Michelin type of library?
Fast food is structured around standardization; the ability to create a reliable product quickly and efficiently. There are policies, there are rules, and there are no exemptions. It is about getting a product to a patron; they can take it or leave it.
A Zagat or Michelin restaurant is made around the local tastes and influences; in essence, a local experience. These are places where chefs create meals that resonate with the local populations, tailored and customized to the local flavors and traditions. It is about a personal product crafted to the person; it is made for them.
People can easily find a standard product for books, movies, magazines, and music in other places: it’s called a bookstore. Why on Earth would libraries attempt to recreate such a standard presentation and product? Is it the difference between doing what it easy and doing what is good?
So, I ask again: are you a fast food or Zagat/Michelin type of library?
from: Agnostic, Maybe
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