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
← Swipe for more →
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.
Next blog post
Co-create authentically with your community
When the people who are most impacted by your libraries' programs take the lead? That's co-creation!
On-demand webinar
Building authentic relationships with underserved communities
Don't guess at what services are needed. Go beyond transactional interactions and build authentic, trust-based relationships.
On-demand webinar
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.
News article
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.
News article
Align library services with community aspirations
Turn relationships into partnerships that can meet specific, important, shared goals.
News article
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.
Recent insights and perspectives by and
for libraries
Featured #EngagedLibraries post
Grow awareness of new opportunities for your users
Detroit Public Library promotes the Detroit Black Farmer Land Fund by hosting branch tours, offering guidance to applicants. The tours help the fund find and support Black farmers in acquiring land across the city.
Featured story
Break down barriers with a community engagement team
“Libraries are for everyone,” is a sentiment we often hear. But in some communities, it’s still a work in progress. To reach more people, staff at the Orange County Library System created the “Avengers of OCLS.”
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
Show details
16 September 2025
Linked data for public libraries: An introduction
What is linked data? Why is it important? Should public libraries pay attention to it? These and other questions will be answered by OCLC's in-house linked data expert Anne Washington.
- Time: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time, North America [UTC -4]
Show details
30 September 2025
Meaningful library gatherings: Bringing purpose to every meeting and event
In this webinar, learn how intentional design can transform routine meetings and events into effective and meaningful experiences.
- Time: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time, North America [UTC -4]
On-demand events
Show details
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.
- Time: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM Eastern Standard Time, North America [UTC -5]
This event has passed. View the archive.
Show details
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.
- Time: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM Eastern Standard Time, North America [UTC -5]
This event has passed. View the archive.
Show details
16 January 2025
Don't manage change—embrace it
Learn strategies to lead positive, collaborative change in libraries by reframing challenges as growth opportunities.
- Time: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM Eastern Standard Time, North America [UTC -5]
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
