Anythink: innovative libraries

Anythink is the new brand for a county library system outside Denver. Lots of interesting brand, space, culture, and job innovations.

"Beyond the deep rebranding effort, the Anythink “revolution” includes constructing four innovative buildings, dropping Dewey for the “WordThink” system, eliminating fines, upending summer reading for the more experiential MySummer, and recasting staff roles from librarians to Guides, bolstered by Concierges and Wranglers."

"They’re discernibly libraries but with some tweaks. Most important, there’s no reference desk but a 'front perch' and 'back perch' (and sometimes another), stand-up stations where librarians (er, Guides) and Concierges offer quick assistance. The buildings—the product of a stutter-step process that began eight years ago—are organized for flexibility, not for books."

"Because the library pays many bills (on time) with credit cards that accrue points, it can send staffers to conferences and training events without cost, says finance director Mindy Kittay, a former CFO and consultant for many small businesses, who began a new library career eight years ago. Also, staffers can partake in a technology lending program—iPads, Flip cameras, etc.—and buy technology at the library’s discount, with the payment deducted from their paychecks over three months, interest free."

Director: "'Instead of trying to get everything perfect,' observes Smith, 'we work to get the big idea right, then circle back to work on correcting and refining the details.'"

"At the end of her board interview, Sandlian Smith, who describes herself as 'very shy and very quiet,' boldly laid it on the line: 'I believe the responsibility of a leader is to shoot for the moon,' she said. 'If you want to build regular, normal libraries, don’t hire me.'"

"'I think you can be a brilliant organization, but without proper marketing/PR you will never be as strong or as viable as you need to be.' As such, the Communications Department reaches deep into the library’s activities. It not only creates newsletters, press releases, and advertising and writes speeches but also coordinates special events, manages signage, and runs the public art program."

"The use of aspiration as a management tool is a profound insight." - Jamie LaRue, director of Douglas County Library System

Library Journal Nov. 15, 2010