Brian Mathews | Carnegie Mellon University (original) (raw)
Papers by Brian Mathews
W e do n't jus t ne ed ch an ge , we ne ed br ea kth ro ug h, pa rad igm-sh ift ing , tra ns fo r... more W e do n't jus t ne ed ch an ge , we ne ed br ea kth ro ug h, pa rad igm-sh ift ing , tra ns fo rm ati ve , dis ru pt ive ide as.
Library technology reports, Jan 4, 2018
Journal of Library Administration, 2023
This essay explores the challenges of workload management and time prioritization. We all experie... more This essay explores the challenges of workload management and time prioritization. We all experience a diverse array of tasks, obligations, and responsibilities that fill our metaphorical work plates, which can leave us feeling overwhelmed and overloaded. The author shares personal experiences and experiments with time tracking and time blocking techniques to gain a clearer vision and control over the allocation of time. Through reflective practices and the identification of priorities, the author emphasizes the importance of managing oneself, motivation, concentration, and consistency, ultimately advocating for a curatorial mindset to cultivate the quality of work. By documenting and analyzing the utilization of time, individuals can make more intentional choices, nourishing their “plates” with tasks that align with their values, interests, and intentions. This essay encourages a shift from viewing time as a scarce resource to recognizing its abundance and exploring the artistry of purposeful and connected actions in relation to time, energy, and emotion attributes.
College & Research Libraries News, 2019
College & Research Libraries News, 2008
M any academic libraries now offer more than just a quiet place to study and ac cess information.... more M any academic libraries now offer more than just a quiet place to study and ac cess information. They offer students a suite of computing, programming, and design resources. However, because students rarely associate these tools with the traditional aca demic library, many of them remain unaware of what the library has to offer. As more librar ies provide support for student collaboration, computing, and creativity, they must fi nd new ways to tell students about their resources and to create opportunities for students to use them. Contests are an effective way for libraries to increase student awareness. A successful contest provides students with an interactive, competitive experience through which they can discover-or possibly rediscover-the importance of their campus library.
How can we make the floors cleaner? That's the question that Proctor & Gamble asked its chemists.... more How can we make the floors cleaner? That's the question that Proctor & Gamble asked its chemists. 1 Years of working on this problem, however, yielded no improved cleaning solution. So Proctor & Gamble took a different approach and hired a design firm. 2 Rather than focusing on chemical improvements, the designers watched people clean. Observations uncovered the real problem: mops. People spent more time cleaning their mops than they did cleaning their floors. The mop was an ineffective tool for the task at hand. This insight led to the development of the Swiffer-a billion-dollar product line for Proctor & Gamble. The lesson learned is that innovation isn't simply about asking the right questions; it's also involves framing questions differently. Our approach to problems is affected by the manner in which they are presented. To the chemist, a cleaner floor was a scientific problem, while to the designer it was a human problem. It's vital that we are able to shift perspectives when we need to generate different types of results. If our thinking is too narrow then we may miss breakthroughs. How we formulate problems is just as important as how we solve them. In fact, our ability to discover and translate problems may well be the most significant step toward realizing innovation.
The Journal of Academic Librarianship, 2014
The Jazz Singer is arguably the most disruptive film of all time. Released in 1927, it launched t... more The Jazz Singer is arguably the most disruptive film of all time. Released in 1927, it launched the transition from the silent film era into the talkies. Much more than an incremental improvement, this musical introduced a radically new technology (synchronized dialogue) resulting in a game-changer for the film industry. While silent movies didn't disappear overnight, it was obvious that "living pictures" were the future of the box office. By the end of 1929 nearly all films were talkies. 1 Consider the impact on the established order. The musical Singin' In the Rain (1952) depicts this critical point where movie stars from one era struggled to adapt in the new environment. 2 Actors had to reinvent themselves, and many headliners simply could not adjust. The production side was similarly upended, demanding new processes and workflows. Sound engineers, technicians, screenwriters, and voice coaches were now in high demand.
College and Research Libraries News
As librarians, we select, collect, integrate, and manage diverse forms of information. Imagine if... more As librarians, we select, collect, integrate, and manage diverse forms of information. Imagine if we apply this foundation in a new context: partnerships across the campus environment. In buildings all around us, students and faculty are using, sharing, and creating knowledge. This presents a tremendous opportunity for us to venture forth and empower our communities. Vignettes include: classroom building, research building, labs, studios, exhibits & displays, atriums & lobbies, living learning community, and incubators.
http://hdl.handle.net/10919/73191
This document is intended to inspire transformative thinking using insight into startup culture a... more This document is intended to inspire transformative thinking using insight into startup culture and innovation methodologies. It’s a collection of talking points intended to stir the entrepreneurial spirit in library leaders at every level.
http://hdl.handle.net/10919/18649
The last two decades have ushered transformative change across libraries. We have reimagined coll... more The last two decades have ushered transformative change across libraries. We have reimagined collections, revolutionized spaces, introduced numerous technologies, and greatly expanded our service offerings. Yet despite all of these advances, our organizational structures have remained largely the same.
This paper serves as an invitation to explore evolutionary paths for academic and research libraries. I offer my leadership journey as a conversational example, moving from a focus on productivity and serving as a driver of innovation toward a role as facilitator and gardener, helping to nurture the work environment to grow more organically. By rethinking how we interact with our colleagues, we can cultivate a more creative culture that enables us to be more resilient and better situated to tackle the complex and unpredictable nature of the work that lies ahead.
The need for agile, technology-enhanced learning environments capable of meeting the evolving nee... more The need for agile, technology-enhanced learning environments capable of meeting the evolving needs of students and researchers presents a unique opportunity to reimagine the design, creation, management, and assessment of library spaces. This presentation will provide attendees with a hands-on overview of emerging sensor-based technologies and their potential to support learning space assessment.
Paper presented at ACRL 2017.
This paper explores the concept of social entrepreneurship and applies it to libraries. It includ... more This paper explores the concept of social entrepreneurship and applies it to libraries. It includes examples from an academic library related environmental sustainability and undocumented students. A case is made that outreach endeavors are a form of entrepreneurship that enable librarians and staff to contribute to the social, civic, creative, scholarly, and cultural aspirations of the communities they serve.
W e do n't jus t ne ed ch an ge , we ne ed br ea kth ro ug h, pa rad igm-sh ift ing , tra ns fo r... more W e do n't jus t ne ed ch an ge , we ne ed br ea kth ro ug h, pa rad igm-sh ift ing , tra ns fo rm ati ve , dis ru pt ive ide as.
Library technology reports, Jan 4, 2018
Journal of Library Administration, 2023
This essay explores the challenges of workload management and time prioritization. We all experie... more This essay explores the challenges of workload management and time prioritization. We all experience a diverse array of tasks, obligations, and responsibilities that fill our metaphorical work plates, which can leave us feeling overwhelmed and overloaded. The author shares personal experiences and experiments with time tracking and time blocking techniques to gain a clearer vision and control over the allocation of time. Through reflective practices and the identification of priorities, the author emphasizes the importance of managing oneself, motivation, concentration, and consistency, ultimately advocating for a curatorial mindset to cultivate the quality of work. By documenting and analyzing the utilization of time, individuals can make more intentional choices, nourishing their “plates” with tasks that align with their values, interests, and intentions. This essay encourages a shift from viewing time as a scarce resource to recognizing its abundance and exploring the artistry of purposeful and connected actions in relation to time, energy, and emotion attributes.
College & Research Libraries News, 2019
College & Research Libraries News, 2008
M any academic libraries now offer more than just a quiet place to study and ac cess information.... more M any academic libraries now offer more than just a quiet place to study and ac cess information. They offer students a suite of computing, programming, and design resources. However, because students rarely associate these tools with the traditional aca demic library, many of them remain unaware of what the library has to offer. As more librar ies provide support for student collaboration, computing, and creativity, they must fi nd new ways to tell students about their resources and to create opportunities for students to use them. Contests are an effective way for libraries to increase student awareness. A successful contest provides students with an interactive, competitive experience through which they can discover-or possibly rediscover-the importance of their campus library.
How can we make the floors cleaner? That's the question that Proctor & Gamble asked its chemists.... more How can we make the floors cleaner? That's the question that Proctor & Gamble asked its chemists. 1 Years of working on this problem, however, yielded no improved cleaning solution. So Proctor & Gamble took a different approach and hired a design firm. 2 Rather than focusing on chemical improvements, the designers watched people clean. Observations uncovered the real problem: mops. People spent more time cleaning their mops than they did cleaning their floors. The mop was an ineffective tool for the task at hand. This insight led to the development of the Swiffer-a billion-dollar product line for Proctor & Gamble. The lesson learned is that innovation isn't simply about asking the right questions; it's also involves framing questions differently. Our approach to problems is affected by the manner in which they are presented. To the chemist, a cleaner floor was a scientific problem, while to the designer it was a human problem. It's vital that we are able to shift perspectives when we need to generate different types of results. If our thinking is too narrow then we may miss breakthroughs. How we formulate problems is just as important as how we solve them. In fact, our ability to discover and translate problems may well be the most significant step toward realizing innovation.
The Journal of Academic Librarianship, 2014
The Jazz Singer is arguably the most disruptive film of all time. Released in 1927, it launched t... more The Jazz Singer is arguably the most disruptive film of all time. Released in 1927, it launched the transition from the silent film era into the talkies. Much more than an incremental improvement, this musical introduced a radically new technology (synchronized dialogue) resulting in a game-changer for the film industry. While silent movies didn't disappear overnight, it was obvious that "living pictures" were the future of the box office. By the end of 1929 nearly all films were talkies. 1 Consider the impact on the established order. The musical Singin' In the Rain (1952) depicts this critical point where movie stars from one era struggled to adapt in the new environment. 2 Actors had to reinvent themselves, and many headliners simply could not adjust. The production side was similarly upended, demanding new processes and workflows. Sound engineers, technicians, screenwriters, and voice coaches were now in high demand.
College and Research Libraries News
As librarians, we select, collect, integrate, and manage diverse forms of information. Imagine if... more As librarians, we select, collect, integrate, and manage diverse forms of information. Imagine if we apply this foundation in a new context: partnerships across the campus environment. In buildings all around us, students and faculty are using, sharing, and creating knowledge. This presents a tremendous opportunity for us to venture forth and empower our communities. Vignettes include: classroom building, research building, labs, studios, exhibits & displays, atriums & lobbies, living learning community, and incubators.
http://hdl.handle.net/10919/73191
This document is intended to inspire transformative thinking using insight into startup culture a... more This document is intended to inspire transformative thinking using insight into startup culture and innovation methodologies. It’s a collection of talking points intended to stir the entrepreneurial spirit in library leaders at every level.
http://hdl.handle.net/10919/18649
The last two decades have ushered transformative change across libraries. We have reimagined coll... more The last two decades have ushered transformative change across libraries. We have reimagined collections, revolutionized spaces, introduced numerous technologies, and greatly expanded our service offerings. Yet despite all of these advances, our organizational structures have remained largely the same.
This paper serves as an invitation to explore evolutionary paths for academic and research libraries. I offer my leadership journey as a conversational example, moving from a focus on productivity and serving as a driver of innovation toward a role as facilitator and gardener, helping to nurture the work environment to grow more organically. By rethinking how we interact with our colleagues, we can cultivate a more creative culture that enables us to be more resilient and better situated to tackle the complex and unpredictable nature of the work that lies ahead.
The need for agile, technology-enhanced learning environments capable of meeting the evolving nee... more The need for agile, technology-enhanced learning environments capable of meeting the evolving needs of students and researchers presents a unique opportunity to reimagine the design, creation, management, and assessment of library spaces. This presentation will provide attendees with a hands-on overview of emerging sensor-based technologies and their potential to support learning space assessment.
Paper presented at ACRL 2017.
This paper explores the concept of social entrepreneurship and applies it to libraries. It includ... more This paper explores the concept of social entrepreneurship and applies it to libraries. It includes examples from an academic library related environmental sustainability and undocumented students. A case is made that outreach endeavors are a form of entrepreneurship that enable librarians and staff to contribute to the social, civic, creative, scholarly, and cultural aspirations of the communities they serve.
What challenges do students face in the classroom? What issues do faculty encounter when applying... more What challenges do students face in the classroom? What issues do faculty encounter when applying for grants? How does the Writing Center plan to help students abroad? What keeps senior administrators up at night? We invest a lot of time and effort discussing library issues, but how well do we know the issues of our constituents? What are the problems, priorities, and possibilities of the people we serve? Higher education is poised to undergo a historic evolution with the introduction of new pedagogies, publishing models, and user preferences. Libraries will not only be asked to adapt, but to help lead monumental changes. This paper presents an innovation strategy designed around growth. By adopting a discovery-oriented problem-seeking outlook and a holistic view of our institutions, librarians can develop an entrepreneurial mindset stretching beyond traditionally predefined boundaries. By advancing the objectives of others, we not only help our organizations succeed, but simultaneously reframe the role, value, and perception of libraries throughout the process.
Invited Paper, ACRL Conference 2013, Indianapolis
http://hdl.handle.net/10919/19308
Academic libraries are facing a disruptive future. There are new technologies, new pedagogies, ne... more Academic libraries are facing a disruptive future. There are new technologies, new pedagogies, new publishing models, and new environments, all converging with teaching and research. This multiplicity of change is bubbling forth and setting up for new directions in the years ahead. Library assessment programs would benefit from adopting Research and Development (R&D) practices in order to anticipate and accommodate new demands. This paper outlines a perspective shift for addressing needs in the emerging landscape of higher education. By embracing a discovery-oriented outlook, activating networked development initiatives, and nurturing a culture of creativity and experimentation, libraries can position themselves for growth opportunities.
Presented October 2012 at
Library Assessment Conference (Charlottesville, VA)
http://hdl.handle.net/10919/19047
Designing Libraries for the 21st Century, 2022
When planning a new library space, there are many components to consider. Whether it is a renovat... more When planning a new library space, there are many components to consider. Whether it is a renovation, an addition, or an entirely new building, countless variables compete for your time and attention. Architects imagining the flow of people and the functionality of the environment. Vendors showcasing a wide range of technologies and furniture possibilities. Designers presenting endless options of colors, patterns, and textures that weave together a spatial narrative. Facilities managers focusing on electrical capacity, heating and cooling, asbestos, and cleaning schedules. Building officials referencing state codes on egress and seating capacity. It’s a lot to take in.
I’ve worked on over 30 construction projects and have experienced a certain joy in the act of shaping an initial concept into a physical reality. But honestly, the grand opening is just the beginning. How we infuse that space with an inspiring spirit and sustain that over time is the real challenge. As much as I enjoy selecting furniture and dabbling with new technologies, stewarding that environment is the real work. This chapter will outline a set of components that I recommend for nurturing a high-performing culture for your high-purpose learning space.
Link to the full book: https://bit.ly/DesigningLibraries