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.
“[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
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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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12 August 2025
Building community through craft programs
Gain practical strategies for building shared learning experiences in your existing programming.
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26 August 2025
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26 February 2025
Turn strategy into action with Theory of Change
Learn how to use Theory of Change to align your library's vision, drive strategy, and support flexible, collaborative implementation.
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30 January 2025
Building community connections by hiring for cultural knowledge
Learn how the Cultural Liaison Library Assistant program builds community connections by hiring for cultural knowledge and creating a team that reflects a diverse library community.
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16 January 2025
Don't manage change—embrace it
Learn strategies to lead positive, collaborative change in libraries by reframing challenges as growth opportunities.
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Mobile app solutions that provide a digital extension of your library with new ways to engage
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An easy and effective tool to build, showcase, and preserve your community’s unique collections
