While there is no shortage of articles and books discussing the changing nature of libraries in the digital age, words such as ‘innovation’, ‘entrepreneurship’, ‘entrepreneur’, ‘intrapreneur’ and ‘creativity’ make only occasional appearances in the information management literature. There are a few key contributions that argue for the link between innovation, entrepreneurship and creativity and change in libraries (Mason, 1989; Riggs, 2001) but without a much wider discussion there is a danger that information professionals and library managers may miss the opportunity to engage in and manage innovation effectively; act entrepreneurially; encourage others to act entrepreneurially; and embrace and develop their creativity.

This book, then, is the first to seek to discuss and apply the rhetoric and theories of innovation and entrepreneurship in information organizations. It seeks both to celebrate and share past achievements and existing examples of good practice in these areas, as well as to provide frameworks and concepts that promote reflection on the development of innovative and entrepreneurial information professionals and organizations. Its aim is to encourage information professionals at all levels in the organization to understand and engage creatively with innovation, and to realize the benefits of entrepreneurial action. The book invites all information professionals to develop their capacity to act entrepreneurially and to fully explore the full potential of innovation both for their own careers and in the interests of the success of their organizations. Its underlying philosophy is built on an acknowledgement of the considerable change and innovation that has been achieved in information organizations through the opening decades of the digital age, tempered by a belief that a future in which all information resources – including books and archives – will be accessed in digital format, poses even greater challenges for information professionals and organizations. The ability to move into uncharted territory, engage in and enjoy innovation, create radical new visions and manage resources in risky environments will be an essential prerequisite for the survival of organizations and for the career advancement of individuals.