Theory, research and practice in library management 4 : creativity

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the relevance of creativity in the strategic management of libraries. Design/methodology/approach – The literature is examined to show how libraries are using creativity in service development. There is also an exploration of various perspectives on creativity from both library commentators and management academics. Different approaches open to library managers to introduce creativity are examined. Findings – The paper finds that creativity is an approach that will inform libraries develop new services in a world where turbulent change is present. Library staff should be encouraged to bring in ideas and intelligence from outside. Teams have to be made up of people with different skills and ideas and they need to be encouraged to be creative. The library manager also has to take responsibility for supporting creativity and various actions are available to him/her. These include allowing staff freedom to make decisions and making sure the work place is as stimulating as possible. Originality/value – The paper provides food for thought for library practitioners in the use of creativity in developing future services.