Outreach
Outreach meets community needs with both traditional and new services, in dynamic and changing environments. Whether providing services to those who can't come to the library, or reaching out to those who are underserved, library outreach and community engagement ensures equitable delivery of library services to all people.
Self-paced courses and webinar recordings on this topic are freely available in the WebJunction Course Catalog.
Photo: Bart Heird, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
Most Recently Added
Librarian as Verb: Activate Your Rural Community
Publish Date: Webinar / 5 February 2020
In this webinar, hosted in collaboration with ARSL, learn how to make "librarian" a verb, actively connecting with your whole community.
Outreach Programming: Serving Hidden Patrons
Publish Date: News / 23 January 2020
Perry Memorial Library in Henderson, NC is a rural library serving Vance County where approximately two-thirds of the county's population is either under the age of 18 or over the age of 60. Yet mobility issues and lack of transportation meant these ...
Public Libraries and the 2020 Census
Publish Date: News / 2 January 2020
Federal funding for public libraries will be determined by the 2020 U.S. Census results, with ALA reporting that "more than $1 billion in federal funding for libraries will be allocated to states based on the 2020 Census." In addition to fe...
Doing the Work Externally and Internally: Race, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Publish Date: Webinar / 5 December 2019
This webinar highlights the work of Richland Library staff as they work, both externally and internally, to improve dialogue and understanding on topics of race, equity, diversity and inclusion.
Community Engagement as a Mindset
Publish Date: Webinar / 17 September 2019
Hear from three library leaders who are redefining community engagement.
Always Be Listening: How Public Libraries are Approaching Community Engagement as a Mindset
Publish Date: News / 27 June 2019
ALA Annual is always overflowing with sessions to help library staff take a step back and think about their libraries, services, and approach to their communities. This year was no exception, and there were many stand-out sessions dedicated to rethin...
Getting to the Heart of the Community Through Discovery
Publish Date: Webinar / 11 June 2019
This webinar presents tools, methodologies and strategies that can be used to gather input and uncover the heart and aspirations of your community.
Planning a Library Con or Pop Culture Festival
Publish Date: News / 23 May 2019
Librarian Recommended blogger, Elia Juarez, shares her experience and expertise on planning and hosting a LibraryCon.
We hosted our library's sixth LibraryCon on May 4 (with over 650 attendees!), and each year, we've learned somethi...
Community Engagement: Redefining the Library as Town Square
Publish Date: News / 15 May 2019
Libraries are evolving, leaning outside of our walls, connecting with our communities in new and powerful ways. Defining our "why" requires understanding how to shift our focus from books to people. Our purpose is to support people and thei...
Memory Kits Serve Community Members with Alzheimer’s
Publish Date: News / 25 April 2019
For people with Alzheimer's disease and their families, a remembered moment from the past is a gift. Memory loss and confusion are the hallmarks of dementia and Alzheimer's, as the diseases progressively damage brains cells, but photographs, music, a...
