This slim volume is an easy and comprehensive read, however, the font could be larger for greater accessibility. It is easy to dip in and out of for ideas, activities and inspiration. The book is divided into three sections: one on arguing the ethical rationale for the book, one on general principles of design thinking (with frequent reference to library issues) and a practical how-to section, with thorough case studies provided, including discussion of failures and problems. Further resources and an index are provided.
The book argues that technology literacy is a key part of the library’s great equalising mission, to make knowledge and technology available to all, and that outreach is key to ensure that this technology literacy training is available to the people where and when they want it: in their communities. The book argues that rather than teaching a device, the objective is to teach critical thinking so that when technology marches on, the user is not struggling to keep up.
The book devotes three chapters to design thinking, an engineering concept described as a soft systems methodology or solving problems that are human-centered in its approach. The book reveals that design thinking straddles the line between creative thinking while being socially responsible and financially prudent, putting clients at the focus of one’s raison d’être. The book challenges several assumptions that underlie library programs. I found chapter seven repeated chapter six substantially, I was expecting a more detailed study of the San Jose Public Library’s outreach program in chapter 7. Several parts of this book are written so broadly that they could be useful for people outside the information industry, as it lives up to its subtitle: tools for human-centered problem-solving.
Designing, developing, implementing and sustaining new services are key to the approach: that the new programs are based on the actual needs of stakeholders. The notion of failing successfully encompasses a mindset within design thinking that provides for an iterative approach to new programs and services that incorporates the evaluation of successes and failures.
The book is an enthusiastic foray into an ever-changing world of technology and equips the librarian with more than sheer earnestness or technolust. Instead, this book provides simply practical, workable and inspiring ideas for overcoming hurdles in technology outreach, and an underpinning positive mindset to working with technology to solve human problems.