Assessing the organisational climate for creativity in a UK Public Library Service: a case study

Abstract

The study aims to investigate for the first time library staff's individual perceptions of their work environment with regard to creativity. It uses the conceptual model designed by Amabile et al. (1996) as a framework in order to establish to what extent the internal climate factors that are conducive or deterrent to creativity are identified by library staff in one UK Public Library service. This research is based on a case study and can constitute a benchmark for other library services. The ability to develop a culture that nurtures creativity is crucial and does not occur spontaneously: library managers need to take responsibility to establish the right work environment as well as to incorporate an innovation strategy for the new ideas to be implemented into value-added services for the library users.