Ask, Listen, Empower

Foreword by Tracie D. Hall

Community engagement isn't simply an important component of a successful library-it's the foundation upon which every service, offering, and initiative rests. Working collaboratively with community members-be they library customers, residents, faculty, students or partner organizations-ensures that the library works, period. This important resource from ALA's Public Programs Office (PPO) provides targeted guidance on how libraries can effectively engage with the public to address a range of issues for the betterment of the community. Featuring contributions by leaders active in library-led community engagement, it's designed to be equally useful as a teaching text for LIS students and a go-to handbook for current programming, adult services, and outreach library staff. Balancing historical context with case studies and stories from field, this collection explores such key topics as:why libraries belong in the community engagement realm;the differences and overlap between outreach, engagement, and advocacy;getting the support of board and staff;how to understand your community;pointers on telling your story for maximum impact;the ethics and challenges of engaging often unreached segments of the community;identifying and building engaged partnerships;archives and community engagement;engaged programming; andoutcome measurement.Sharing numerous examples of successful change, dialogue and deliberation, and collaborative efforts, this book offers a comprehensive look at community engagement work that can help all libraries reinforce their roles as champions of lifelong learning.