Format: Self-paced Course
Developed with: Funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
Length: 1 hour
Overview
The library of the 21st Century is considered an essential part of its community. With that in mind the director and staff need to "get out of the stacks and into the streets!" Being involved in organizations and activities outside of the library provides a unique perspective to both staff and trustees in regard to the culture and needs of the community.
Community engagement, while it may have a different meaning depending upon your role in the library, is reaching outside of the physical library building, meeting people in the community and listening to them. There are many roles to play and you can monitor your level of involvement based on your capacity. Community engagement activities provide an opportunity to offer the library as a solution to issues, or at least as a potential partner to help tackle issues. This can be accomplished through building relationships and sharing ideas and library resources, whether that is space, staff or other assets to accomplish a common goal.
Course Design: Produced through the Chief Officers of State Library Agencies (COSLA) Continuing Education Connector project.
This course is currently unavailable for enrollment.