Reinventing Libraries: What Public Libraries Can Learn from the Founding of the DPLA

By looking at the development process of the Digital Public Library of America, this paper explores relevant takeaways for innovation within public libraries. The extensive open planning process, public input, and early success of the project has many implications for public libraries, and new models of service in digital spaces. I also briefly consider the implications of startups, and how a public testing model can be adapted for use within public libraries. Through preliminary analysis of the DPLA, the private sector, and current public library projects, strategies are identified that can be applied widely across the profession.Master of Science in Library Scienc