Libraries as Community Catalysts
Libraries as Community Catalysts is an OCLC research and programming initiative that seeks to support libraries and cultural institutions as catalysts for positive change. This work understands libraries as crucial community hubs with dynamic spaces for learning, collaboration, and community engagement.
OCLC Research partners with libraries and cultural institutions to offer the resources needed to meet changing community needs. This approach emphasizes the evolving and expanding role of libraries as essential contributors to a community's well-being and development.
Publications
Redefining the library experience: Findings from the 2023 OCLC Global Council Survey
29 August 2023
Lynn Silipigni Connaway, Joanne Cantrell, Peggy Gallagher, Lesley A. Langa, Christina Rodriques
This report presents findings from a global survey of libraries that explored themes such as community engagement, collaboration, and innovative programs that meet library users’ continually evolving needs and expectations.
Libraries model sustainability: The results of an OCLC survey on library contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals
8 February 2023
Lynn Silipigni Connaway, Brooke Doyle, Christopher Cyr, Peggy Gallagher, Joanne Cantrell
This author accepted manuscript presents findings from a global survey of libraries that investigated if and how libraries are incorporating the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals into strategic planning.
Call to Action: Public Libraries and the Opioid Crisis
26 February 2020
Scott G. Allen, Larra Clark, Michele Coleman, Lynn Silipigni Connaway, Chris Cyr, Kendra Morgan, Mercy Procaccini
OCLC has partnered with the Public Library Association (PLA) to issue Call to Action: Public Libraries and the Opioid Crisis, a report that offers strategies for public libraries to consider as they determine a local response to the nationwide opioid crisis. This is the culminating output from the IMLS-funded project Public Libraries Respond to the Opioid Crisis with Their Communities.
Public Libraries Respond to the Opioid Crisis with Their Communities: Summary Report
29 October 2019
Scott G. Allen, Larra Clark, Michele Coleman, Lynn Silipigni Connaway, Chris Cyr, Kendra Morgan, Mercy Procaccini
As the impact of the opioid epidemic is felt in communities across the US, public libraries are choosing to be part of the community response. With funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and in partnership with the Public Library Association (PLA), OCLC is sharing knowledge and resources that will help public libraries and their community partners develop effective strategies to address the opioid epidemic in America.
Public Libraries Respond to the Opioid Crisis with Their Communities: Case Studies
28 October 2019
Scott G. Allen, Larra Clark, Michele Coleman, Lynn Silipigni Connaway, Chris Cyr, Kendra Morgan, Mercy Procaccini
This report includes eight research-based case studies highlighting varying opioid response efforts across eight locations in the US. The report details each library's response, the partnerships formed, reactions of the community, outcomes of the efforts, as well as challenges, needs, and opportunities.
Public Libraries Respond to the Opioid Crisis in Collaboration with Their Communities: An Introduction
27 April 2019
Michele Coleman, Lynn Silipigni Connaway
OCLC is partnering with the Public Library Association on the Public Libraries Respond to the Opioid Crisis with Their Communities project to identify, synthesize, and share knowledge and resources with public libraries to develop effective strategies to address the opioid epidemic in America.