Interview with Aaron Schmidt
Aaron Schmidt blogs about design, usability , and library technology at www.walkingpaper.org. We were asked in my Communication for Leadership class to interview someone in the library world. I enjoy reading Aaron’s blog and decided to interview him regarding his leadership style. Although this was a school assignment, I found it enjoyable and hope you will too!
How would you describe your current role?
I’m the Digital Initiatives Librarian for the District of Columbia Public Library. I help the library plan and execute forward thinking web projects. I’m part of a team that consists of some talented coders and the library’s Chief Information Officer.
What do you strive to achieve as a leader?
My leadership style? I try to lead by example doing excellent work. I also try to lead people without them realizing I’m taking an active leadership role.
What leaders (in or out of the library world) do you appreciate?
Lately I’ve been thinking about leaders that create outstanding organizations that are committed to excellence. Libraries have a ton to learn from Steve Jobs’ commitment to his vision and Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh’s customer service ethic. Southwest Airlines leads in developing organizational culture.
What are some methods you implement in developing / managing digital initiatives?
I record ideas in a notebook and brainstorm there. If it seems like a good idea I take it a step further by immediately comparing my idea of how people might use a service or product to how they might actually use it. There could be a big difference and the issue needs to be investigated via some proto-user testing. Then I might bring the idea to the team for further discussion.
A very specific recommendation for managing projects are the Basecamp or Backpack tools from 37 Signals. They make cross country planning and collaboration easy.
What inspires you?
Simplicity, #FFF & #808080, seeing new things, midcentury and other modern design, being alone in the mountains, Autechre and Boards of Canada
