The need to innovate and do things differently is a critical feature of public service delivery in the 21st century. 

Whether dealing with reductions in budgets or seeking new ways of tackling long standing, deep-rooted social and economic challenges, policy makers and service providers in all sectors are experimenting with new approaches to try and achieve the outcomes that they seek.

Innovation is at the heart of what public libraries do

Innovation is, of course, something that public libraries have been renowned for throughout their history – in the spaces they use, the services they deliver and the partnerships they develop.

From the provision of light, spacious public buildings where people can come together to meet and learn; to the development of tailored reading schemes for different groups; to supplying IT equipment and helping people get online; to tackling unemployment and supporting local businesses; innovation and the development of new services and ideas has always been at the heart of what public libraries do. 

The need for libraries to keep innovating and finding new ways to meet the needs and demands of individuals and communities remains essential today.

Research shows that there is a high level of support for libraries amongst the public and libraries are viewed as a highly important service in local communities. But, we know that libraries cannot stand still in a changing world and library services must explore different ways of working and re-imagine the wide range of roles and functions that they can fulfil.

Innovation requires creativity, practicality and a network of support

The value and sustainability of innovation requires a mixture of creativity, practicality and a network of support. Feeling free to make mistakes is also essential. In the words of Thomas Edison, ‘I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work’. 

In the first half of the 20th century our own organisation, the Carnegie UK Trust worked with public libraries on many new and innovative projects. This included initiatives which supported rural libraries, professional librarianship courses and library schemes dedicated to seafarers, sailors and citizens who were blind or partially sighted – as well as, of course, the building of public libraries.

A new programme to help support innovation in public libraries

We are therefore delighted at the Trust to be launching a new programme to help support innovation in public libraries today.

The new programme, Carnegie Library Lab, launched today on 1 September, aims to add to the mix of initiatives and support for innovation in libraries.

Through the scheme we hope to work with up to 15 library staff over the next three years, providing funding, learning materials, mentoring and the opportunity to be part of a new network of library innovators. More information and application packs are available on our website.

What do you think are some of the most important innovations pioneered by public libraries? What will be the key trends in future public library innovation?

Let us know in the comments below