tfpl blog

Psycho information architecture!

TFPL regularly runs training events for its temporary recruitment candidates. 

Last night, over 30 of then heard Alan Flett describe how psychological theories and methodologies, coupled with computer-based analysis, can help us understand users' mental models and build better information architectures.  This is done by using psychological interview approaches with users and analysing the outputs via computer aided clustering techniques.

The outputs can be used to inform information architecture design.  The results are evidence based, user focused taxonomies and wireframes etc that are capable of evolution and refinement.

For more information on 'psycho' information architecture contact alan.flett@tfpl.com.   For more information about temps training events, contact katy.crosse@tfpl.com.

Generation Next

Heard a programme on the radio recently that made me think again about the audiences for our information projects.  Generation Next (In Business, Radio 4, 10 May) painted a startling picture of the generation of teenagers moving towards the world of work.  Techno-savvy, articulate, constantly navigating changes in taste and fashion, and used to sophisticated consumption via the web, this wired-up generation will find the world of records management, libraries and published information a complete turn-off unless we work hard to make it blend in with their life-style.

As traditional information professions lurch towards demographic meltdown as disciplines converge around technology, perhaps Generation Next holds the clues for the future of information.

Social media - a noisy revolution!

Went to a really good event organised by the SLA last night. Antony Mayfield of Spannerworks did an excellent job outlining exactly what we mean by social media (or social networking) and the potential impact new media will have on organisations.  The message is clear - organisations have to embrace these new ways of publishing and distributing information.  Afterwards we all proved what excellent face-to-face (and noisy) social networkers we are over a glass of wine.

Innovative learning at the NHS

Many thanks to Chris Collison who told me about an NHS Leadership Development event he contributed to last week. 

Senior managers participated in life-like scenarios with role-players and were then taken through an after action review process by Chris to help them embed lessons learned.  More details are now available on Chris's blog. 

Chris has also asked me to say that his new workshop, Creating a Learning Organisation, covers After Action Reviews and other learning and performance improvement techniques. 

To change or to transform?

As well as running training courses for TFPL, Ruth Sanderson [pictured below] runs her own business called Blue Pea Pod (great name!) specialising in change, cultural capital and branding.  Here, Ruth writes about how transformation differs from change:

Change is doing something a [slightly] different way.  Sleeping on the other side of the bed or getting dressed in a different order are simple examples of change.  The end result is still the same - you have slept or you are dressed.  Transformation is when there is a major shift - like a caterpillar waking up as a butterfly! 

When you set a goal the courageous question to ask yourself is 'given everything I am right now, can I achieve this goal?'.  And in some instances the answer will be no.  If you still choose to achieve your goal you will begin the journey of transformation.  This journey can take months, it can take years, and because it's transformation you are undertaking, it will have moments of pain and vulnerability.  As you keep moving through and towards your goal, you realise that it is this process of transformation that is teaching you the resources which will enable you to reach your goal.  There is no by-pass or quick fix.  It just helps if you're clear beforehand whether you are embarking on change or transformation.

On further discussion here with my colleagues, we decided that Faking It is almost always about real transformation while What Not to Wear is usually about change (although sometimes about transformation too!). 

Top tips for a library move

It's a year since Jacky Berry left TFPL to become the Librarian at the British Medical Association (BMA).  In that year, Jacky has been immersed in that most complex of projects - the library move.  I have been to visit the new library space - it's going to be fantastic.  The library move is now underway and I asked Jacky to share her top tips for managing a library move and minimising the risk.  Here's what she wrote:

• Plan, plan, plan.  And then plan some more
• Get all your team involved in planning the new space you will be occupying
• Build up good relationships with all your internal clients - the porters, the estates team, security etc.  In fact, with anyone you may need to call on for support when it all looks desperate
• Get to know your movers - and their nicknames.  I have recently been dealing with Ballerina Bill, Gigolo, Marbles and Stewy Stewpot
• Be present during the move.  It is good to be on hand to avert a disaster
• Always have an emergency plan for shelving items that may not have been accounted for
• Be prepared to supply endless cups of tea and goodies - Wagonwheels, teacakes and pink wafers have been really popular with my moving team
• Get plenty of rest and sleep prior to and after the event.  It's exhausting!