What can libraries learn from Yahoo’s new CEO?

In this interview, Marissa Meyer explains the thinking behind buying every Yahoo employee a smartphone of their choosing (Apple, Android, Windows). “You want the engineers, etc., to be able to create an amazing experience.” If the library was funded with an eye to the future, the equivalent action I would take would be to have every library staff member choose an e-reader, smartphone, or tablet. Everyone would become experts on their device, as far as downloading e-books and articles. The world is going mobile, and library patrons are no exceptions. Making sure that these devices interacted with the library effectively would become more of a priority. Another notable comment Meyer made was the observation that Yahoo has the content but lacks mobile hardware, browser, or social network, yet this very lack suggests that Yahoo is free to partner with the companies who do these things the best. It sounds like she wants to develop a unique Yahoo app for smartphone users. Libraries (queen of content) will develop their potential through partnerships. What are the most innovative partnerships happening right now, and what are some new ones that will create something equally exciting and create a turnaround in the library world?

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About emodza

MLIS, 2009. Mid-career changer, learning on the job at a major metropolitan library. Being at a reference desk day in day out teaches you a lot about the operation of a library, the many people who lead, organize and execute the work. It teaches you who lives in the city--lives of hope, lives of desperation? We participate in their daily struggle, in their excitement to learn, in the minute steps people take towards better situations in their lives. I learn from my colleagues, I share what I learn, and hope to get better at what I do.

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