Build connections, grow relationships, and increase your impact
Today’s engaged library workers inspire their communities and each other in countless ways. Whether sharing successful ideas with colleagues or creating community events, outreach activities, and partnerships, you make a difference. With OCLC programs, research, and services, you can spotlight the work you do for libraries everywhere—not just across town, but around the world.
Want to share your library’s community success stories?
We are bringing voices together with #EngagedLibraries, a new social media campaign that invites library workers to share ideas, highlight impactful programs and partnerships, and celebrate breakthroughs and the people who make them happen. Help us grow the conversation by posting today and year-round.
What is community engagement?
It means different things to different libraries, but most agree that it’s about interacting, connecting, and communicating.
“[It's] using our resources to connect with and meet the needs of people of our county of all ages. [And also using] our ability to work with other agencies to reach all demographics, assess the wants and needs of those being served, and create a plan of engagement to truly achieve a positive outcome by forming a network of services all working together.”
—US public library
How do libraries engage in communities and on campuses?
80% plan or participate in community-focused events
77% partner with local organizations (even more so for publics)
49% collaborate with local leaders to solve problems
31% support or lead discussions on difficult local or national issues
Community engagement starts with listening.
82% of libraries assess community needs by conducting surveys.
44% have an advisory group
32% survey non-library users
23% hold public meetings
Library staff dedicated to community engagement are busy—really busy.
Most focus on creating outreach and programming for the campus or community.
They also work on:
Marketing
Event promotion
Partnerships
Many different library staff support community engagement efforts.
41% don’t have a dedicated staff position, but wish they did
“Community engagement is vital to the success of a library and enrichment of the community. Community engagement is bringing together all parties to provide accurate information, needed resources, and a sense of belonging.”
—US academic library
About the above survey results: OCLC conducted an online study November 5-19, 2020, with a sample of 223 U.S. public and academic libraries. Results are +/- 6% at the 95% confidence level.
Recent insights and perspectives by and
for libraries
Featured #EngagedLibraries post
Help people develop a passion for reading
As part of Celebrate Reading Week, Duval County’s Jacksonville Public Library launched an inspiring new video series. The videos feature community leaders sharing how reading transformed their lives.
Featured story
Offer greater inclusivity with access to a sensory room
Hopkinton Public Library identified a need for sensory support of the community’s neurodivergent residents. Through an ALA grant, they were able to transform an old broom closet into a sensory room accessible to all.
Build new community connections with partnership marketing
Meet all your library marketing goals and reach entirely new audiences, while also increasing awareness of your resources and services.
Improve your community engagement skills
Enjoy free learning opportunities for libraries of all sizes, types, and
Library of Things
Planning, budgeting, and creating a collection of loaned objects.
Advancing IDEAs
Improving inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility.
Public Health Emergencies
A management playbook for archives, libraries, and museums.
Upcoming events
Show details
16 April 2024
Navigating the library director hiring process: A guide for trustees and boards
This presentation offers crucial steps for hiring a library director, empowering your board to secure visionary leadership and avoid pitfalls.
- Time: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time, North America [UTC -4]
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30 April 2024
Leadership strategies for building connection and defusing difficult situations
This webinar introduces skills and practical strategies for developing empathetic, curiosity-led leadership, to help improve communication, connection and cooperation at your library.
- Time: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time, North America [UTC -4]
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18 June 2024
Data storytelling 101
This webinar will provide an orientation to data storytelling that centers cultural humility while leveraging storytelling dynamics.
- Time: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time, North America [UTC -4]
On-demand events
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13 March 2024
Creating a person-centered library: Supporting patrons while avoiding burnout
This webinar reviews ideas and approaches for how libraries can support both high-needs patrons and staff.
- Time: 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM Eastern Daylight Time, North America [UTC -4]
This event has passed. View the archive.
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27 February 2024
Co-Creating Library Services for Transformative Impact
Learn about the fundamentals of co-design and explore how to apply them in your library for wildly creative and deeply impactful programs and services.
- Time: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM Eastern Standard Time, North America [UTC -5]
This event has passed. View the archive.
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30 January 2024
Building Authentic Relationships with Underserved Communities
Learn how to develop a plan for identifying, reaching, and building relationships with underserved communities.
- Time: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM Eastern Standard Time, North America [UTC -5]
This event has passed. View the archive.
Expand your community efforts with
OCLC products
Capira℠
Mobile app solutions that provide a digital extension of your library with new ways to engage
CONTENTdm®
An easy and effective tool to build, showcase, and preserve your community’s unique collections