You may be aware of this new report, but if not:
The International City/County Management Association has released their study Maximize the Potential of Your Public Library. Their general recommendations are quite good.
Here is the description:
Learn how public libraries can help local governments tackle critical community priorities such as economic development, public safety, environmental sustainability, cultural diversity, education, and literacy. This new report and accompanying case studies provide examples and instructive guides on how public libraries in jurisdictions large and small are partnering with local governments and organizations to develop innovative solutions for important strategic community initiatives.
Here is the link to the free download (20 pages): Maximize_the_Potential_of_Your_Public_Library
Six Themes
Six themes emerged from the nine innovation grant projects:
• Library and local government leaders need to connect on community priorities.
• Building partnerships is key to innovation.
• Leadership happens at all levels of an organization.
• Successful partnerships require commitment to the effort.
• Innovation occurs in communities of all sizes.
• Not every effort will be successful.
Advice
Their advice for leaders looking to initiate partnerships?
“For the chief executive officer; city, county, or town manager; mayor or county executive:
• Think of your public library as an untapped resource for addressing community needs and priorities. Have conversations regularly with the library director, exploring interests, capabilities, and opportunities.
• Include the library director on the senior executive team.
• Include the library director in strategic discussions even when the connection is not readily apparent, including such areas as public safety, emergency management, economic development, gangs, school drop-outs, early childhood education, workforce development, and cultural inclusion.
• Visit the library and all the branches, especially when they are sponsoring special events.
For library directors and senior personnel, especially branch directors:
• Think outside the walls of the library and beyond collections and circulation. Understand the issues in your community and explore how your library can make positive contributions and promote the expanded view to all library staff.
• Build relationships. Don’t wait for the senior leadership of your community to invite you to a conversation; take the initiative. Do not let yourself be out of sight and out of mind. Be visible.
• Invite community leaders to the library, especially to special events that you are sponsoring, whether or not they are already advocates (e.g. elected officials, friends of the library, board members, etc.)
• Think about events you can sponsor that are relevant to the issues in your community to demonstrate your relevance to community leaders.
• Nurture and preserve the library’s positive image with the public and the perception that the library is a safe and neutral space. These are among the strongest asset of libraries.
For funders:
• Serve as a catalyst to bring people together across agencies and sectors. Grants, even in relatively small amounts, can promote community connections. We recommend requiring partnerships as a qualifying element in grants when appropriate.”
Although not a definitive or powerful work it is credible due to its publisher, the International City/County Management Association, and a good discussion starter with city hall.
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