Upon exploring the Anythink website, I am very pleased to see the high amount of creativity and passion involved in the remodeling/revamping of Adams County libraries in Colorado. The videos that I have seen so far–although promotional–really cement the idea of focusing entirely on user experience. As stated in Dr. Stephens’ lecture, the design of the Adams County libraries pay tribute to the concept of Hygge. The video that caught my eye the most was the one titled “A Day in the Life of an Anythink Library” because it feels so refreshing to see the library in the perspective of the user–it is welcoming, cozy, and inspiring. Furthermore, Anythink’s staff manifesto is so unique! Although it is very humorous, it simultaneously feels uplifting because it humanizes library staff. “You are not just an employee” really reverberates in my mind because public service staff are subject to so many things ranging from daily interactions to resolving crisis situations. It is important to remember that library staff are human too and their wellbeing matters too. Overall, the practices laid out by Anythink do a great job of uplifting the people–not just the institution. Sure, it’s great to have access to a beautiful building but we should be paying close attention to the people who would be utilizing said building. Lastly, I would like to point out that Anythink’s strategic plan is very admirable because it highlights the power of the people and the manifestation of their learning goals and/or skills. This further exemplifies what is said in the aforementioned video: “We’re not just a public library, we’re YOUR public library”.
Anything Wright Farms interior
@mickeysosa97 This: “It is important to remember that library staff are human too and their wellbeing matters too.”
You are spot on. This library totally gets that! It is a good thing to encourage in our organizations.
@michael Thank you! I am all about empathy and inclusivity. Staff should feel comfortable and supported in their workplace. They are after all, the backbone of the library!
@mickeysosa97 – I agree 100%!
Hi Michelle,
I also really enjoyed discovering and learning about the Anythink libraries in this week’s module. I love their enthusiastic and empathetic approach to librarianship by encouraging library staff to view themselves more than just mere staff members. That truly is refreshing, and as you mentioned, it genuinely humanizes and uplifts librarians to remember “their wellbeing matters too.” I absolutely LOVE that! I hope libraries around the world, or at least most, follow suit!
Michelle,
I was also fascinated by the Anythink Library and loved that video as well. The environment just seems so comfortable and energetic at the same time. Whenever you see so many people using the library regularly together, it is so heartwarming and reminds me of why I’m doing this.