The courses in this series introduce the concept, practice, and importance of community engagement in libraries, and how a community engagement approach improves a wide range of library programs and services.
Format: Self-paced course
Developed by: WebJunction and the Idaho Commission for Libraries
Length: 1 hour
Overview:
In this course you'll learn about what community engagement looks like in a public library, and how it enhances your library’s ability to serve your community. You will also learn how the library as a whole, and all staff members individually can engage the community in ways that increase mutual understanding, and improve the library’s ability to communicate with, and involve all members of the community.
Learning objectives:
By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
- Define community engagement.
- Identify methods of community engagement.
- Describe the benefits of community engagement for both the library and broader community.
- Understand the importance of communication, building trust, and authentic relationships with community members.
- Describe how data gathering, marketing, and outreach efforts are enhanced with community engagement.
This course contains AI-generated text-to-speech.
Format: Self-paced course
Developed by: WebJunction and the Idaho Commission for Libraries
Length: 1.5 hour
Overview
In this course, you’ll learn how to lead your library in the intentional practice of building strong relationships between the library and its community. You’ll explore how community engagement helps you understand what the people you serve truly value and hope to achieve—so your library’s programs and services can make a more meaningful difference.
Learning objectives
By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
- Understand what community engagement means for library leaders.
- Identify and document important community resources, relationships, and trends.
- Determine key individuals to engage and start conversations with as a library leader.
- Identify opportunities for library staff, volunteers, and board members to begin community engagement activities.
- Plan community engagement activities for yourself and your library.
This course contains AI-generated text-to-speech.