Chapter 2: Defining Technological Innovation

Abstract

Chapter 2 of Library Technology Reports (vol. 49, no. 7) “Technological Innovation: Perceptions and Definitions” seeks to refine the broad and perhaps amorphous concept of innovation. It shares some definitions of innovation from the academic literature, as well as some insights from the corporate environment. The chapter then utilizes some alternate, indirect methods to offer additional glimpses into what libraries may mean when referencing innovation. Such indirect methods include a look at library job advertisements, awards, identified technology trends, conference topics, and annual forecasting reports anticipating the higher education environment of tomorrow.