NCompass Live - January 29, 2020
http://nlc.nebraska.gov/ncompasslive/
Innovation encompasses far more than technology. One of the most exciting trends in 21st century libraries is the emphasis on restructuring and reinventing our roles in our communities. A huge part of this discussion revolves around the term "Community Engagement". And while this sounds grand and fancy, things often get blurry when we are pressed to define it, implement it, and (the most daunting of all) measure it.
It’s time to cut through ambiguity and put concrete parameters around this evasive topic. This discussion will center around the following questions about community engagement: Who, What, When, Where, Why, and HOW?
Participants will leave with a clear definition of Community Engagement, along with the framework for how to build a Community Engagement plan. One size doesn’t fit all. Your library is uniquely special and to honor this fact, this interactive hour will include brainstorming about what’s right for your library and community. This discussion will be supported by concrete examples and case studies from libraries who have implemented successful community engagement plans.
This conversation is for everyone in the public library. The secret to effective community engagement involves the whole team; we all have an important part to play.
Presenter: Erica Rose, Library Science Faculty/Program Coordinator, University of Nebraska at Omaha.
NCompass Live: Community Engagement: Straight Talk
1. Community engagement
” I think I will never grow tired of the expression ‘civic engagement” in
relation to libraries”
“ community engagement—a library survival skill in this day and age”
—Comments from the ALA virtual conference Mapping Transformations, July 2012
2. ERICA ROSE -Library Science Faculty
Program Coordinator (Online undergraduate degree)
9. Example
● The San Francisco Public Library system is dedicated to
free and equal access to information, knowledge,
independent learning and the joys of reading for our
diverse community
10. The truth is
This will look different in every library and community.
11. This is really about
Seeking to understand your
community
Getting to know the people
in it
Finding ways your library
can nurture and support
individuals and
organizations
31. Mission example
● The San Francisco Public Library system is dedicated to
free and equal access to information, knowledge,
independent learning and the joys of reading for our
diverse community
● The San Francisco School cultivates and celebrates the
intellectual, imaginative, and humanitarian promise of
each student in a community that practices mutual
respect, embraces diversity, and inspires a passion for
learning.
38. Urban Libraries Council -Report on Civic Engagement
1. Civic Educator—raising awareness of civics, civic engagement, and civic responsibility
2. Conversation Starter—identifying challenging community issues, creating forums for sharing
opinions, and developing action strategies
3. Community Bridge—bringing diverse people, including local government officials, and
organizations with different perspectives together to build stronger communities
4. Visionary—leading efforts to develop a broad and inclusive community vision
5. Center for Democracy in Action—walking, talking, thinking, and acting as the place where
democracy, civic engagement, and public discourse happen
http://www.webjunction.org/news/webjunction/Engaged_Embedded_Library.html
42. ERICA ROSE
University of Nebraska-Omaha
ecrose@unomaha.edu
402-554-3485
970-231-7372
@EricaRoseLibSci
Notas del editor
Poll -how many of you have a strong idea of what community engagement is?
Poll -how many of you feel that you have the resource you need to be successful in implementing community engagement?
Poll -how many of you have a strong, functioning community engagement plan?
Tie this back to mission statement
As they should. Your libraries are different. Your communities are different. Your definition of this topic depends on a wide variety of factors. And by the way, these factors are not stagnant -they will will be in a constant state of flux which means, your approach to this topic may always be in shifting and changing. (Facilitator review sticky notes and identify themes that emerge -point these out as things the group as a whole identify with CE)
I know. I know. You already know your community. We all think we’re experts on our community. And in a way you are. Certainly you know more about your communities than I do. But there is always room for growth. And sometimes, we are so comfortable in our knowledge that we forget to look up. I would wager that there are indeed potential partners that you don’t yet know. But even if you legitimately know every single person in your town, I challenge you to get to know them in a new way.
Partnerships that strengthen your community
Opportunities to reinforce the value of your library
When you build relationships with people, they celebrate your library service. When your services are celebrated, they are supported which means you have the capacity to build better relationships, which leads to more celebration of services and on and on.
Building trust. It starts with one conversation, one good handshake, one sincere smile. But it doesn’t end there. We aren’t looking for a short-term relationship. We are in for the long haul which means you must be diligent and continuous in your efforts. And stop looking for the statistic. You may never see the benefits of some of your efforts. Others will come rapidly. It doesn’t matter. This is farming so be patient and have faith that you are doing the right thing. For every good thing you see and hear, 10 more things have been said that never reached your ears.
I am well aware that building relationships is easier said than done. But like anything else, it gets easier with practice.
Emotional intelligence is paying attention to the other person and thinking about how your words, actions impact them and make them feel (handle relationships judiciously and empathetically)
Critical thinking -figuring out what’s a good fit/how to connect/offer solutions. Knowing when it’s the right time and the wrong time.
Sincerity. Mean what you say. Wear your love for your library and your community on your sleeve.
In our program, we pride ourselves on developing candidates who possess skills that allow them to succeed in 21st century libraries. A lot of this has to do with developing people who are digitally literate and skilled. I think we can all agree on that. I’m telling you that because I want you to know that I view Community Engagement as being of equal importance as a skill for a 21st century librarian. As a profession, we are doing amazing things. But your fabulous collections, your phenomenal staff, your dynamic programming, and your cutting edge technology have no value if people don’t utilize them.
My story actually unfolded over a period of several years. It took years to rebuild those relationships which had been left untended for far too long. As result, we missed out on getting to be part of several key planning projects. We lacked support when we needed to rebrand, rennovate, or implement exciting projects. We missed out on key opportunities for funding.
Partner up
This isn’t just about you. Relationship development happens at every level. It happens inside and outside your library. One person makes a difference. 5 people makes a bigger difference.
Don’t be afraid to start with the obvious. Look for key community events and offer to pitch in.
Reframe your expectations of what this means. Be open minded and flexible in how your space can support key partners.
Front-lines staff are the most important people in your library.
They are the face of your organization.
They are the heartbeat of your work.
They are the best positioned to provide highly effective CE through fantastic customer service.
EMPOWER THEM
We all make assumptions about who is in our community. Be aware of your own biases and blindspots and gather data
Quantitative data –look at the numbers
Qualitative data –gather feedback and stories.
Access Census Data -American Factfinder
Visit:
Chamber of Commerce
Town Manager/Planner
Board Members
Churches/Nonprofits (outside your usual places)
Attending meetings
Being involved in community groups
Strong awareness of initiatives and key events
Offering support and resources (give before asking)
What is your mission? Do you know it? Does your staff know it? Does your community know it? More importantly, how does your mission tie to their mission?
We have books, we have databases, we have DVD’s, we have electronic collections, we have storytimes -all good, but won’t create an emotional response.
Consider embedding and spreading the idea that your library exists to provide equitable access to education and cultural enrichment. Your library affords every community member the opportunity to engage in self-directed learning experiences. Your library exists so that people can understand what’s possible and be inspired to dream about the impossible. THEN talk about what you offer that facilitates these things.
Commit to when you are going to initiate this contact. Mark your calendar. When will you follow up. Mark your calendar. When will you send a Christmas card. Mark your calendar.
Constant and consistent.
This isn’t a trend. This is part of your culture/mission.
Start small, but think big.
Commit to when you are going to talk with your staff/co-workers
Critical thinking skills at work: Think carefully about which method will work best for each individual or group. This is a way to expand resources, services, and impact without increasing facility/space, etc. Some worry about showing ROI through gatecount. Why? If access and service is our mission, why does it matter where that happens?
Reference interview skills in a new context
Listening
Asking open ended questions
Thinking creatively about solutions
Leading with WHY