We brainstorm all the time, but do we do it correctly or well? The answer is, “No.” There are techniques and rules to help us get the most of out the brainstorming that we do. This session begins with a review of seven rules that will instantly improve your brainstorming effort. The speaker will share several brainstorming techniques, including mind-storming, the long list, and brand-storming. Participants then use these techniques to brainstorm new innovative services, technology uses, and training tactics for their libraries.

1. Enabling Innovation
[Interactive 45 min. Workshop]
Jill Hurst-Wahl
Director, MSLIS Program
Syracuse University
@jill_hw
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2. Agenda
• The environment
• IDEO brainstorming rules
• Learn three brainstorming techniques
• Practice one of the techniques (10 min.)
• Wrap-up & report out (10 min.)
• Slides are on CIL web site & SlideShare
• Contain additional techniques!
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3. The Environment
• Be picky about the location.
• Give people room to move.
• Give play a chance.
• Have a diverse group.
• Appoint a facilitator.
• Stick to the rules. (next slide)
• Keep notes.
• Limit any parameters.
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4. Brainstorming Rules from IDEO
1. Defer judgment
2. Encourage wild ideas
3. Build on the ideas of others
4. Stay focused on the topic
5. One conversation at a time
6. Be visual
7. Go for quantity
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And…
Stick to the rules!
Work quickly.
No idea is refused.

5. Mind-Storming
What is it? Brainstorming with yourself.
Why?
1) It is the basis for other techniques.
2) Often we only have ourselves.
Example: Mind-storming names for a
new library program. 5
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6. Mind-Storming
How do you lead yourself?
• Give yourself a specific question.
• Give yourself a time limit.
• Focus.
• Stick to the rules.
Let’s try it!
• Mind-storm creative ways of sharing
what you learned at CIL.
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7. Long List
What is it? You brainstorm as many ideas
as possible (100+).
Why? The early ideas are the easiest and
least creative. Real creativity occurs after
the easy ideas have been said.
Example: Allow patrons to create their
own summer programming. 7
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8. Brand-Storming
What is it? You select a specific brand
and brainstorm from that point of view.
Why? Provides a different basis for your
brainstorming.
Example: If Apple, Lego, Disney, or NBA
designed a new library, what would it
look like? What services would it
provide? 8
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9. Let’s Do It!
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Group Style Topic
1 Long List Services for the ESL/ESOL
community
2 Brand-Storming Workspaces or services for
military veterans
Capture your ideas & email to jahurst@syr.edu for
sharing out to all CILDC.

10. Report Out & Wrap Up
• Email your lists to jahurst@syr.edu
• How did the technique help you?
• What hindered you?
• What was your most creative idea?
• What will you take back to work
from this exercise?
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11. More Techniques!
SyracuseUniversityiSchool
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12. Role Storming
What is it? You select a specific real or
fictional character and brainstorm from
that person’s point of view.
Why? Frees you to think of wild and
imaginative ideas.
Example: Brainstorm as Darth Vadar,
Ron Burgundy, Roseanne Conner, Olivia
Pope (Scandal) 12
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13. Opposites
What is it? You consider the exact
opposite of what is normal.
Why? It provides a different
perspective and can spark useful
ideas.
Example: Rather than a library being
a safe place, it is a dangerous place. 13
SyracuseUniversityiSchool