The Idaho Library Association Annual Conference participants were challenged by nationally-known library futurist Joan Frye Williams to view librarianship as tranformative.  Rather than looking at the traditions, rules, and perceptions of librarians — view librarianship through the following filters:

• Generosity
• Flexibility
• Trust
• Hope
• Teamwork
• Laughter
• Gratitude

Joan noted that the reality is technology “jerks” you around — human nature is more reliable, more predictable — and gives you lots to ponder and smile at!

She charged the group to

• create an enticing environment where people want to be
• provide more sharing opportunities — less guarding
• simplify
• make browsing easier
• accomodate exceptions — they will happen — one rule does not fit all!
• provide more tools, less rules
• allow people to come to libraries via their way
• serve as a first responder — allow anyone who works in the library to provide service
• thank everyone for their service — not their time!
• convene community conversations — allow the community to describe the cake rather than just provide the ingrediants

For more thought-provoking, conversation generating audio, listen to “Thinking OutLoud” — engaging conversations between Joan Frye Williams and George Needham.

http://www.infoblog.infopeople.org/category/george-and-joan/ 

Suggested: 

• Underutilized Library Skills
• Going Back to Schools
• Some Big Existential Questions
• Amazing Developments in Libraryland

There are many others — listen, think, and enjoy!