Exploring ‘inspiration’ and the library’s potential role in the creative process

The library and information science literature on artists and designers shows that ‘inspiration’ is a crucial information need. This talk will explore how art and design libraries can help their patrons to understand, find, and foster inspiration.

However, what is really meant by ‘inspiration’, and how is it found? I will be discussing some of the historical, cultural, and psychological conceptions of ‘inspiration’. Looking at the Library and Information Science literature on information behaviour, there are multiple areas of research that could be applied to finding inspiration, including browsing, Information Encountering, satisficing, and the importance of serendipity. I will be discussing these behaviours and how they can help in finding inspiration. Finally, the presentation will offer some practical ideas for how art and design libraries can help their patrons’ creativity and inspiration through sessions, resources, systems, and space.