Innovation and Strategy: Risk and Choice in Shaping User-Centered Libraries

Abstract

Creating services that add value for the customer takes precedence
\nover all other drivers in determining organizational success in the twentyfirst
\ncentury. Libraries uniquely capable of anticipating and meeting customer
\nneeds in ways that mirror a changing world are the libraries that are
\ndeemed successful and, therefore, are able to attract resources and talent.
\nIt is evident from current environmental indicators that organizations need
\nto utilize two tools skillfully in order to create customer value: innovation
\nand strategy. While strategy can exist without innovation, it is unlikely that
\neffective innovation can occur without the use of strategy. For organization
\nleaders the challenge is threefold: develop the ability to create value-added
\ninnovative services on a continuous basis; utilize strategy to make decisions
\nabout innovations; and deliver innovative services to the customer. This
\narticle will review recent theories of innovation and strategy and place them
\nin the context of the work of nonprofit organizations (such as most libraries).
\nSuggested approaches to creating innovation and effective strategy
\nwill also be reviewed.