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. That may sound airy and abstract, but in this book the authors demonstrate how it boils down to applying a handful of straightforward principles, which include

intelligent risk-taking;
learning the right things;
respect and goodwill;
fulfilling the vision of library director; and
activating creative thinking.

With practical applications for hiring staff, coordinating an author event, creating a community partnership, and designing a building, this book walks readers through how to

identify the community’s motivating factors and use them to guide priorities;
create a culture of learning at the library;
apply courage, curiosity, and creativity to cope with challenges;
ask the right questions in order to get the right answers;
draw out creative ideas from both staff and the community; and
implement creativity exercises for problem solving that can be used by individuals and groups

Illustrated with stories from across the country, this book provides a complete strategy that will help libraries of any size or funding level amplify the skills and enthusiasm of library staff, getting everyone on the right page and thus leading to better service for their communities.