Practical Techniques for Being More Creative at Work

Authors

  • Peter Reilly Librarian, Learning & Engagement, Kemmy Business School, University of Limerick

Keywords:

work, advice, creativity, artificial intelligence, critical thinking

Abstract

This article outlines simple strategies and techniques for applying creativity to your own daily work in a library setting, by developing a growth mindset. It discusses the psychology of being creative, and how everyone can realise their true potential to achieve it and explains that inspiration occurs at any moment, anywhere, providing insightful novel approaches for solving complex problems. Creativity compels us to step out of our comfort zone by taking a risk, to explore something new. Realising the true value of the experience itself, is the actual learning involved and not being afraid to repeatedly make mistakes and try again.

References

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Global Digital Citizen Foundation. (2015). Solution Fluency | Global Digital Citizen Foundation. https://globaldigitalcitizen.org/21st-century-fluencies/solution-fluency

Michalko, M. (2006). Thinkertoys : a handbook of creative-thinking techniques. Ten Speed Press.

Priestner, A. (2021). A Handbook of User Experience Research & Design in Libraries. UX in Libraries

Reilly, P. (2015). Strategies to Ensure Deep Learning Occurs in MBA Information Literacy Workshops. Journal of Business & Finance Librarianship, 20(3), 172-188. https://doi.org/10.1080/08963568.2015.1042812

Reilly, P. (2017). Creative Approaches to Teaching Graduate Research Methods Workshops. Nordic Journal of Information Literacy in Higher Education, 9(1), 21-36. https://doi.org/10.15845/NORIL.V9I1.232

Tharp, T. (2003). The creative habit : learn it and use it for life : a practical guide. Simon & Schuster.

UX in Libraries. (n.d.). Welcome to UXLibs!. UXLibs. https://uxlib.org/home/

Young, S. W. H., Chao, Z., & Chandler, A. (2020). User Experience Methods and Maturity in Academic Libraries. Information Technology and Libraries, 39(1). https://doi.org/10.6017/ITAL.V39I1.11787

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Published

2025-06-27

Issue

Section

Practice-based articles

How to Cite

Reilly, P. (2025). Practical Techniques for Being More Creative at Work. Health Sciences Libraries Journal, 1(1), 25-30. https://journals.ucc.ie/index.php/hslj/article/view/4514