The National Library Board (NLB) Singapore is a statutory board that managed to become a serial innovator. Its globally leading innovations in the library context include an award-winning radio frequency identification (RFID) system to automate check-out, returns, and sorting of books, shelf-reading robots, and even self-service libraries. NLB’s consistent focus on excellent service delivery reinforced its commitment to innovation. Key levers were effective strategic leadership, a smart innovation strategy that made heavy use of technology—such as app-delivered self-service technologies and crowdsourcing—as well as a people-centric staff culture.

• Authors: Thomas Menkhoff and Jochen Wirtz
• Year of Publication: 2016