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?

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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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Photos: Portage Public Library — Photos courtesy Portage Public Library

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