How can you use your library's information system to engage your community?

1 Create interactive content

One way to use your library's information system to engage your community is to create interactive content that invites participation, feedback, and learning. For example, you can use your information system to host quizzes, polls, surveys, games, or challenges that relate to your collections, programs, or themes. You can also use your information system to create digital exhibits, showcases, or stories that highlight your library's achievements, impact, or history. Interactive content can help you attract new users, increase retention, and demonstrate your relevance.

2 Foster collaboration

Another way to use your library's information system to engage your community is to foster collaboration among your users, staff, and partners. For example, you can use your information system to enable co-creation, co-curation, or co-learning activities that involve sharing, commenting, or editing resources, data, or ideas. You can also use your information system to facilitate communication, networking, or mentoring among your community members. Collaboration can help you build trust, loyalty, and innovation.

3 Provide personalized services

A third way to use your library's information system to engage your community is to provide personalized services that meet the diverse and changing needs of your users. For example, you can use your information system to offer recommendations, suggestions, or alerts based on user preferences, behavior, or feedback. You can also use your information system to deliver customized content, support, or guidance based on user profiles, goals, or challenges. Personalized services can help you improve satisfaction, retention, and loyalty.

4 Promote social responsibility

A fourth way to use your library's information system to engage your community is to promote social responsibility and civic engagement. For example, you can use your information system to share information, resources, or opportunities related to social issues, causes, or movements that matter to your community. You can also use your information system to encourage action, advocacy, or volunteering among your users, staff, or partners. Social responsibility can help you increase awareness, impact, and value.

6 Evaluate and improve

A sixth way to use your library's information system to engage your community is to evaluate and improve your performance, quality, and outcomes. For example, you can use your information system to collect, analyze, or visualize data, feedback, or metrics that measure your impact, value, or satisfaction. You can also use your information system to identify, prioritize, or implement changes, improvements, or innovations that enhance your services, processes, or strategies. Evaluation and improvement can help you demonstrate accountability, transparency, and excellence.

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?