The OCLC Webjunction Webinar Libraries as Drivers of Community Development: Global Edition attracted 135 participants from countries including Canada, Chile, Colombia, Croatia, Ethiopia, Macedonia, Uganda, the USA and Zimbabwe.
The popular webinar featured presentations by EIFL Public Library Innovation Programme (EIFL-PLIP) Impact Manager Ugne Lipeikaite and CEO of Riecken Community Libraries William Cartwright. Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Programme Officer Darren Hoerner introduced the session.
The presenters shared stories from across the globe about how libraries are contributing to development in their communities.
To listen to the discussion and see PowerPoint presentations and other resources, click here:https://www.webjunction.org/events/webjunction/libraries-as-drivers.html
What makes a successful library community development service?
Answering questions about what contributes to successful library community development services, the presenters listed some of the following factors and activities:
- Community needs assessment research, and consultation with the community before the start of a new service ensures the service fulfils real needs and has stakeholder support.
- Technology must be carefully chosen to ensure it is appropriate to the community and geographic contexts.
- Training of librarians to seek partnerships and other forms of community support strengthens and sustains new library services.
- Informing the community ensures everyone understands the project, what it can accomplish, and what it will take to make it happen.
- Building advocacy skills enables library staff to prove the value and effectiveness of services.
- Ongoing measurement of results and communicating impact provides evidence of success.
The webinar host, OCLC Webjunction, is an online learning place for libraries.
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