Cornell University Library's Library Outside the Library (LOL) team works to make the Library visible and usable outside of standard library places, tools and services. To accomplish this task, the team finds, configures, distributes, and assesses electronic tools and services that take the library to its users, wherever they may be. To fulfill its mission, LOL has developed a lightweight approach to innovation: it leverages existing tools, providing local customizations when necessary; it fosters a culture of experimentation and a willingness to discontinue unsuccessful projects; and finally, the team is not afraid to embrace what may be quick-lived trends—after all, this is where many of patrons are at the moment.

LOL's projects include a Cornell University Library iPhone application and companion mobile version of its Web site, reference services via Short Message Service (SMS), and several significant collections on Flickr. Some initiatives have proved so successful that they have been incorporated into core library functions and services. In this talk, members of the team will explain the LOL process, give details on some of the projects, and describe how LOL can serve as a model for similar nimble, lightweight, low-cost, high-impact efforts at other research libraries.