Previous to the Idea Incubator, a constant challenge the library faced was that ideas for new programs, projects and processes would often stay stuck with either an individual or team. With the Idea Incubator, team members have an outlet for ideas to be properly shared and follow a process that shows complete transparency. The process to submit an idea also serves as an incredible opportunity for team members to form well-developed strategies and gives employees a voice in driving change.

The Idea Incubator itself encourages innovation and provides the opportunity for each team member to get involved in shaping their library system. The creation of the Idea Incubator also takes lead as an innovative project in how it was developed. This digital tool lives within an internal “staff web” which team members visit throughout their workflow. It’s easy to access and creates a welcoming environment to submit ideas. The portal also showcases a process flow and automatically updates what process each idea is in.

Since its launch in January 2019, the Idea Incubator has driven over 15 ideas. This tool has empowered employees to formulate actionable plans and brought forth a positive impact to the library system. Implemented ideas include the addition of digital comics to our catalog. In less than six months the digital comic collection had 10,000+ checkouts. The Idea Incubator also created the Social Media Ambassador program which allows branch teams to share events on social media, and paperless library card applications.