NCW Libraries

The New York Times bestselling authors of Freakonomics offer a blueprint for an entirely new way to solve problems, whether your interest lies in minor lifehacks or major global reforms.

"Conventional wisdom--and business school curricula--teaches us that making trade-offs is inevitable when it comes to hard choices. But sometimes, accepting the obvious trade-off just isn't good enough: the choices in front of us don't get us what we need. In those cases, rather than choosing the least worst option, we can use the models in front of us to create a new and better answer. This is integrative thinking. First introduced by Roger Martin...

From three design partners at Google Ventures, a unique five-day process--called the sprint--for solving tough problems using design, prototyping, and testing ideas with customers.

"Based on a career of making high-stakes, split-second decisions as a U.S. fighter pilot, The Art of Clear Thinking teaches readers to apply Hasard Lee's combat-tested techniques in everyday life. The training to become a fighter pilot is among the most competitive and difficult in the world with fewer than one in a thousand succeeding. Pushing a cutting-edge jet to its limits at over 1,000 mph means that every split-second decision can have catastrophic...

When a young boy discovers a persistent problem, he avoids it until it gets so large that he must gather up the courage to face it.

Effective problem solving is one of the keys to finding solutions and resolving conflicts. Kids are taught the strategies and skills necessary to become problem solvers. Viewers will come to understand how asking questions, listening and brainstorming for ideas can result in a variety of solutions.

Mishaps and mix-ups hamper Toby's ability to make friends with his fellow canines.

Welcome to Doozer Creek where the Doozers live! They're green. They're cute. They're three inches tall and they're full of energy, ideas, and enthusiasm!

A little egret is afraid to fly to the seashore because he fears he will not find his way back to his best friend, a cow, but she encourages the little egret to explore and looks for ways to encourage him.

Rat, Squirrel, Rabbit, and Mouse want to cross the bayou, but next to the log they are considering as a bridge is a sneaky tail, which may be attached to someone dangerous--each of the four approach the problem with a different strategy, with varying results.