Reaching Out from Within Creating Strong Partnerships For Youth
Library = Heart of the Community
Reaching Out • “If you build it, they will come” model • “Looking beyond your borders” model
Hesitations? • Lack of time/staff • Discontinuity • Mis-communication/non- communication • Fear of overlap or being superseded • Territoriality • Unsupportive administration • Feeling unconnected • Unsure of who is best partner
Benefits? • Broaden your reach • Library as literacy leader • Tap community expertise • Create a sense of excitement • Create powerful community links
Setting the Stage
We Mean It • Welcoming and inclusive library • Accessible collections • Community-friendly policies
Getting Started
Many Ways to Reach Out • Networking • Partnering and Collaborating • Outreach • Communities of Practice
Balance Strategies
Planning Strategies • Outcome Based Planning & Evaluation • Goal Setting
Planning Considerations
Getting People on Board
Strategy To- Don’ts
Strategy To- Do’s
Who Are Our Partners?
Schools Everyone is a potential partner for outreach and collaboration
Partner Possibilities • Clinics and Hospitals • Social Service agencies • Advocacy groups/associations • Museums/historical societies • Universities/Tech Colleges/Trade schools • Municipal departments • Arts community • Cultural and social organizations • Faith-based organizations
Outreach Possibilities • Clinics and Hospitals/Baby showers • YMCA/Boys and Girls Clubs • Childcare Centers and preschools • Shelters/WIC and meal sites • Parks and markets • Cultural and social organizations • Scouting organizations/4H • Festivals
Networking Might
Communities of Practice • Domain • Community • Practice
Long Term Investment
Challenges of CoP’s • Have you been invited? • Understanding concepts, vocabulary • Getting out of our silos
What We Bring to the Table • Advocacy Skills • Information Connections • Literacy Focus • Good Partnering Models • Our Networks
Results? Library = Heart of the Community
Mutual Benefits • Familiarity • Trust Building • Stronger support • Stronger community • Information connectivity
Sustainability
Questions? Thanks! Marge Loch-Wouters lochwouters@gmail.com Loch-Works Consulting
Resources • Wakanheza Project The Wakanheza Project . Ramsey County (MN) Public Health Dept. https://www.ramseycounty.us/residents/health-medical/public-health-initiatives/wakanheza-project What is the Wakanheza Project PDF? Ramsey County (MN) Public Health Dept. https://www.ramseycounty.us/sites/default/files/Health%20and%20Medical/Public%20Health%20Initiatives/The_ wakanheza_project_creating_welcoming_environments_12.8.2015.pdf • Gladwell, Malcolm. The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference. Little Brown, 2002 • Communities of Practice (Lave and Wenger) https://www.learning-theories.com/communities-of-practice-lave-and-wenger.html • Pictures/graphics Courtesy of Pixabay except for presenter photo and slide 19, librarian Shari Carlson, Hokah (MN), courtesy of SELCO (MN)
Recommend
More recommend
