MichiganX: Identifying Community Needs for Public Library Management

by The University of Michigan

About This Course

Public libraries are increasingly transforming into vibrant centers for learning, civic engagement, and community involvement. This course offers a deep dive into the strategies of obtaining both statistical and descriptive data about public library communities. It guides learners on identifying key local partners encompassing educational, social services, and government sectors. Through conducting real-world investigations, learners gain profound insights into the requirements and preferences of community organizations, which in turn fostories informed, impactful managerial decisions for libraries, regardless of their budget constraints.

What Students Will Learn

Students enrolled in this course will learn:

Methods to source demographic and persona data using online tools
Techniques to conduct environmental scans
Effective leadership of focus groups and interviews
Analysis of data to identify patterns, overlaps, and service gaps
Compiling and synthesizing findings into structured reports

Prerequisites

Students wishing to take this course should have access to a public library community. This is essential for the practical application of the course content.

Course Coverage

Gathering data about library communities
Identifying educational, social, and government partners
Conducting investigations to understand community needs
Using data to improve library management
Managing libraries effectively even with limited budgets

Who This Course Is For

This course is designed for:

Library managers and staff seeking to enhance community engagement
Individuals interested in public library management
Community leaders and social workers aiming to partner with libraries

Real World Application

The skills taught in this course are applicable in numerous real-world contexts, especially within public administration and community service roles. Learners can leverage these skills to enhance the operational efficiency of public libraries, better meet the needs of the community, and foster greater civic engagement.