The Anythink Library system in Adams County Colorado made waves after a major shift over the last decade where pretty much every aspect of the library – from classification (no Dewey) to fines (they have none) to job titles (Wouldn’t you rather be a “wrangler” than a clerk?) was changed.
As someone who’s very interested in the tech world, the comparisons to the creation of a start-up culture in a public library setting are something I find particularly intriguing.
Human Resources director Dobbs spent most of her career in “pre-IPO high-tech companies” and likens Anythink “very much to a start-up,” with a lean staff working long hours, fueled by passion.
Although I don’t particularly agree with the idea of asking a “lean staff to work long hours” ;-), I do think inspiring people’s passion and creating a strong, vibrant corporate culture (which Anythink has in spades) is the recipe for success.
Library Journal has a profile of this ground-breaking system.
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