Community Relations
The library belongs to your community and the more they feel that sense of ownership, the more your community will know about your programming and services. From media relations to outreach campaigns, find resources and tips on maximizing your community relations to sustain your library. Help build connections with your community by joining local agency and organization boards or committees, bringing the library further out into your community.
Photo courtesy of Eckhart Public Library on Flickr.com
Most Recently Added
Community-Led Public Libraries
News / Last Modified: 10 May 2013
As we celebrate WebJunction's #WJ10th anniversary, we're pleased to recognize a new work by a webinar presenter alum, Kenneth Williment, co-author of Developing Community-Led Public Libraries. In Canada and the UK, libraries have been using variations on similar community-led approaches in developing needs-based library services. With fresh approaches to community assessment, impactful service planning and innovative delivery approaches, these policy recommendations and best practices can help public libraries tackle social exclusion and identify community needs. [CC Flickr Photo by seniwati]
Putting the Public Back in Public Libraries Community-Led Libraries
Webinar / Last Modified: 09 May 2013
Archive and related resources from September 26, 2011 webinar with Tracey Jones-Grant, Kenneth Williment, and Randy Gatley on the Working Together Project and ongoing Community-Led library efforts.
LibraryYOU: Library as Content Creator
Webinar / Last Modified: 07 May 2013
A webinar exploring LibraryYOU, a project encouraging community members to share their knowledge and learn how to communicate through digital media formats.
Geek the Library: Helping Libraries Raise Awareness
News / Last Modified: 25 April 2013
Geek the Library wants to help U.S. public libraries start local conversations. Libraries in 41 states are using the campaign as a springboard to raise community awareness about the value of the library and the critical funding issues many libraries face. The campaign has been widely available since 2010, but the concept is still viable and continues to garner attention.
Did you know the program is free and participants receive printed materials such as stickers and bookmarks? Participants also get access to online tools and templates that provide guidance for local implementations. Libraries of all sizes and staff capacities—with or without a budget—have reported successful campaigns with notable shifts in local perceptions about the library.
With an additional grant supplement last fall from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to extend availability and reach, the Geek the Library team has enhanced the program’s support structure to fully engage participants (especially library staff) to help improve local impact. The program will keep enrollment open until June 2014, with full support maintained through June 2015.
The Impact of an Ice Cream Sundae
Webinar / Last Modified: 22 April 2013
A webinar exploring how libraries and community organizations can become innovative partners and collaborators, mixing resources, programs, personnel or funding.
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