How can you reach underserved communities through libraries?

2 Build partnerships and collaborations

The second step to reaching underserved communities is to build partnerships and collaborations with other organizations and stakeholders who share your goals and values. You can leverage the resources, expertise, and networks of your partners to expand your reach, enhance your impact, and avoid duplication of efforts. For example, you can work with schools, nonprofits, social services, or cultural groups to provide literacy, education, or health programs for your target audience. You can also join coalitions or advocacy groups to raise awareness and support for library issues and initiatives.

3 Develop outreach and marketing strategies

The third step to reaching underserved communities is to develop outreach and marketing strategies that communicate your library's value and relevance to them. You can use various channels and methods to promote your library services and programs, such as flyers, posters, newsletters, social media, websites, or word-of-mouth. You can also use creative and innovative ways to attract and engage your audience, such as storytelling, games, contests, or incentives. The key is to use clear, simple, and culturally sensitive language and visuals that resonate with your audience.

4 Provide inclusive and accessible services

The fourth step to reaching underserved communities is to provide inclusive and accessible services that respect and respond to their diverse needs and preferences. You can do this by offering a variety of formats, languages, and delivery modes for your library materials and programs, such as print, digital, audio, video, or mobile. You can also ensure that your library facilities and equipment are accessible and comfortable for people with different abilities and backgrounds, such as ramps, elevators, signs, or assistive devices. Moreover, you can train your staff and volunteers to be welcoming, respectful, and helpful to all patrons.

5 Evaluate and improve outcomes

The fifth step to reaching underserved communities is to evaluate and improve your outcomes and impact. You can use different tools and techniques to measure and analyze your results, such as surveys, feedback forms, statistics, or stories. You can also use different criteria and indicators to assess your performance, such as satisfaction, participation, retention, or learning. By evaluating your outcomes, you can identify your strengths and weaknesses, celebrate your successes, and make adjustments and improvements for the future.

6 Share and learn from others

The sixth and final step to reaching underserved communities is to share and learn from others who are doing similar or related work. You can use various platforms and forums to showcase your library services and programs, such as blogs, podcasts, webinars, or conferences. You can also use various sources and resources to learn from the best practices and experiences of other libraries, such as journals, newsletters, websites, or networks. By sharing and learning from others, you can increase your visibility, credibility, and knowledge, and contribute to the library profession and community.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?