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.
Syllabus
- Lesson 1: Why Study Community Needs?
- Lesson 2: Environmental Scanning
- Lesson 3: Found Data
- Lesson 4: Surveys
- Lesson 5: Reviewing Survey Data
- Lesson 6: Interviews
- Lesson 7: Synthesis