Reaching Out from Within

Creating Strong PartnershipsFor 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• Fear of overlap or being superseded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)