Libraries building communities

Northwest Public Library, NW 23rd Avenue, Portland, Oregon.

My e-paths crossed today with Professor Kathleen de la Peña McCook, of the University of South Florida, who teaches about libraries and information studies. Two of her areas of research jibe with my own interests: libraries and social justice; and libraries building communities.

Besides her blog, A Librarian at the Kitchen Table, she let me know about the "Libraries Build Communities" project, which aims to publish a book on the topic. I can't think of more relevant items to our ongoing Library Planning effort in DC, which appears to remain contentious, judging by events at last week's Board of Trustees meeting.

The Libraries Build Communities blog has an interesting entry on a similar project in Australia, which they wrote about in a blog entry, "Finding Value in Victoria Public Libraries, Australia." From the entry:

…Libraries Building Communities is the first comprehensive Australian study looking at the value public libraries bring to their communities. One of the most extensive research projects undertaken in this area, the study included every public library in Victoria (44 libraries with 238 branches), and sought the views and ideas of almost 10,000 people via online and telephone surveys, focus groups and interviews.

The research aims to increase community awareness of the range of public library services and show how public libraries can help achieve government policy goals. For library staff it:

- presents clear new data on the contribution libraries make to their communities
- provides case studies that show how Victorian public libraries lead in innovation
- identifies groups that are not currently well served by their libraries, and offer solutions
- builds awareness of the critical social capital and community role of public libraries.

Report One: Setting the Scene ~ Covers the concept of community building, the Victorian Government’s policy agenda, the Victorian public library network, project methodology, and relevant research.
Report Two: Logging the Benefits ~ Outlines the community views on the role and benefits of public libraries.
Report Three: Bridging the Gaps ~ Provides socio-economic demographic profiles of library users and non-user, as well as strategies for bridging the perceived gaps in public library service delivery.
Report Four: Showcasing the Best ~ Gives over 30 examples of innovation and excellence in Victorian public libraries.

Index Keywords: libraries