In the second town hall there was a lot of discussion about how our patrons and other community members are our key informants in understanding what their needs are.
Folks said they have used surveys (web or print surveys at check out) to ask patrons what they want and need.
Others encouraged to avoid surveys but rather to use a more personal touch and have conversations with:
- Patrons outside the library
- Non-patrons who maybe don't come to the library yet, because they don't know what's there
- Shelvers and other staff who have those kinds of conversations with the public that maybe don't happen with the library director
Suggested questions to ask in your informal interviews with these folks:
- What do you worry about?
- What do you wish you could do?
- What makes you feel better?
- What do you think the library does well?
- What should we stop doing?
What are your strategies for "talking less and listening more" to your community?
