All organizations face change. In the library world, staff rise up to meet the shifting expectations of patrons by adding a variety of elements to enhance interactions. The "Innovation Team" leads from the ground up by using innovative ideas brought forward by staff members, fulfilling that desire to engage patrons in a different way. Staff who work directly with patrons are often in the best position to make recommendations for changes which benefit those patrons.

We place a genuine emphasis on innovation at the front lines, collecting ideas and vetting them against library goals. Staff members and leadership have a chance to interact on a more personal level through this vetting process. It takes courage to share an idea and it gives transparency to the decision-making process when staff members walk through the costs, benefits and risks with the "Innovation Team." Externally, great ideas improve the services patrons receive.

Through a transparent and clear process for collecting and vetting staff ideas, we find ways each day to improve patron service, provide in-the-moment learning opportunities for staff at all levels, and celebrate great ideas! The "Innovation Team" has already given us, as an organization, a way to build a cross-classification, cross-departmental team with training and expertise in process improvement and design thinking, as well as a way to synthesize this expertise for colleagues.