What are the most common roles for community outreach librarians?

1 Role 1: Programming Librarian

Programming librarians design, implement, and evaluate library programs that appeal to diverse audiences and support the library's mission and goals. They may organize events such as book clubs, author talks, workshops, film screenings, storytimes, and festivals that reflect the community's culture, needs, and interests. Programming librarians also manage budgets, marketing, partnerships, and logistics for their programs. To succeed in this role, programming librarians need creativity, communication, project management, and customer service skills, as well as knowledge of current trends and best practices in library programming.

2 Role 2: Outreach Librarian

Outreach librarians reach out to underserved or marginalized populations and provide them with access to library resources and services. They may work with groups such as seniors, immigrants, refugees, people with disabilities, homeless people, incarcerated people, or rural residents. Outreach librarians also advocate for the library's role in addressing social issues and fostering inclusion and diversity. To succeed in this role, outreach librarians need empathy, cultural competence, networking, and advocacy skills, as well as knowledge of the specific needs and challenges of their target groups.

4 Role 4: Digital Inclusion Librarian

Digital inclusion librarians help bridge the digital divide and ensure that all library users have equitable access to technology and digital skills. They may provide training, support, or guidance on how to use computers, the internet, software, or online resources. Digital inclusion librarians also develop policies, strategies, and partnerships that enhance the library's digital infrastructure and capacity. To succeed in this role, digital inclusion librarians need technology, innovation, problem-solving, and leadership skills, as well as knowledge of the digital needs and barriers of their community.

5 Role 5: Community Engagement Librarian

Community engagement librarians build relationships and trust between the library and the community. They may conduct surveys, interviews, focus groups, or forums to gather feedback and input from library users and non-users. Community engagement librarians also facilitate dialogue, collaboration, and co-creation among various community members and stakeholders. To succeed in this role, community engagement librarians need listening, facilitation, negotiation, and evaluation skills, as well as knowledge of the community's assets, opportunities, and challenges.

6 Role 6: Maker Librarian

Maker librarians foster a culture of creativity, experimentation, and innovation in the library. They may manage maker spaces, labs, or studios that offer equipment, tools, or materials for making, such as 3D printers, sewing machines, robotics, or crafts. Maker librarians also provide instruction, mentorship, or inspiration for library users who want to learn, create, or share their projects. To succeed in this role, maker librarians need maker, technical, entrepreneurial, and mentoring skills, as well as knowledge of the maker movement and the library's maker resources and services.

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?