Build connections, grow relationships, and increase your impact
Today’s engaged library workers inspire their communities and each other in countless ways. Whether sharing successful ideas with colleagues or creating community events, outreach activities, and partnerships, you make a difference. With OCLC programs, research, and services, you can spotlight the work you do for libraries everywhere—not just across town, but around the world.
What is community engagement?
It means different things to different libraries, but most agree that it’s about interacting, connecting, and communicating.
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“[It's] using our resources to connect with and meet the needs of people of our county of all ages. [And also using] our ability to work with other agencies to reach all demographics, assess the wants and needs of those being served, and create a plan of engagement to truly achieve a positive outcome by forming a network of services all working together.”
—US public library
“Community engagement is vital to the success of a library and enrichment of the community. Community engagement is bringing together all parties to provide accurate information, needed resources, and a sense of belonging.”
—US academic library
How do libraries engage in communities and on campuses?
80% plan or participate in community-focused events
77% partner with local organizations (even more so for publics)
49% collaborate with local leaders to solve problems
31% support or lead discussions on difficult local or national issues
Community engagement starts with listening.
82% of libraries assess community needs by conducting surveys.
44% have an advisory group
32% survey non-library users
23% hold public meetings
Library staff dedicated to community engagement are busy—really busy.
Most focus on creating outreach and programming for the campus or community.
They also work on:
Marketing
Event promotion
Partnerships
Many different library staff support community engagement efforts.
41% don’t have a dedicated staff position, but wish they did
About the above survey results: OCLC conducted an online study November 5-19, 2020, with a sample of 223 U.S. public and academic libraries. Results are +/- 6% at the 95% confidence level.
Create community engagement strategies with a focus on impact
Community engagement means different things to different libraries, but central to the effort is finding ways to ensure voices are heard and considered when it comes to building real-world services. OCLC partnered with Dr. Audrey Barbakoff, EdD, MLIS, Founder & CEO of Co/Lab Capacity, to offer practical co-creation strategies to maximize libraries’ great work in community engagement.
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Co-create authentically with your community
When the people who are most impacted by your libraries' programs take the lead? That's co-creation!
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Don't guess at what services are needed. Go beyond transactional interactions and build authentic, trust-based relationships.
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Co-creating library services for transformative impact
Co-creation is one of the most effective ways to turn diversity, equity, and inclusion ideals into real-world services.
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Easy as ABCD: Using asset-based community development as a lens for authentic relationship-building
Build from your communities' strengths and respect those closest to an issue as experts.
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Align library services with community aspirations
Turn relationships into partnerships that can meet specific, important, shared goals.
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Co-creating library services through human-centered design
Learn how applying HCD principles in your library can help when you have limited resources or support.
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Libraries are helping their communities experience wildlife. Abilene Public Library recently gave kids a chance to pet baby hedgehogs. Clifton Public Library helped participants learn about native animals, including snakes.
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Offer greater inclusivity with access to a sensory room
Hopkinton Public Library identified a need for sensory support of the community’s neurodivergent residents. Through an ALA grant, they were able to transform an old broom closet into a sensory room accessible to all.
Build new community connections with partnership marketing
Meet all your library marketing goals and reach entirely new audiences, while also increasing awareness of your resources and services.
Improve your community engagement skills
Enjoy free learning opportunities for libraries of all sizes, types, and
Library of Things
Planning, budgeting, and creating a collection of loaned objects.
Advancing IDEAs
Improving inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility.
Public Health Emergencies
A management playbook for archives, libraries, and museums.
Upcoming events
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26 September 2024
Engaging Beyond Our Walls: Libraries connecting communities through outdoor games and stories
Discover how libraries can use outdoor games and interactive stories to connect with communities and showcase local history and landmarks.
- Time: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time, North America [UTC -4]
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09 October 2024
Libraries and non-profits: Leveraging data analytics for community impact
Learn about "Data for Good," designed to support library training and community services for data analysis, through teen and adult programming.
- Time: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time, North America [UTC -4]
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24 October 2024
Sustaining ecosystems for climate learning and action
Learn how public libraries can play a role in climate education and action, collaborating with other sectors and organizations.
- Time: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time, North America [UTC -4]
On-demand events
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18 September 2024
Crafting and maintaining effective patron policies for community success
Learn to create policies that will enable safe and effective library operations in your community.
- Time: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time, North America [UTC -4]
This event has passed. View the archive.
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28 August 2024
Library customer service and adult programs for people living with dementia
This webinar will offer a comprehensive overview of Alzheimer’s dementia and practical advice on meeting the needs of both those with dementia and their caregivers.
- Time: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time, North America [UTC -4]
This event has passed. View the archive.
Show details
08 August 2024
Work It Out @ Your Library with the Wombats!
Learn the important role your library can play in supporting young children learning computational thinking skills through Work It Out @ Your Library!
- Time: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time, North America [UTC -4]
This event has passed. View the archive.
Expand your community efforts with
OCLC products
Capira℠
Mobile app solutions that provide a digital extension of your library with new ways to engage
CONTENTdm®
An easy and effective tool to build, showcase, and preserve your community’s unique collections
