Museums and Libraries as Catalysts for Neighborhood Change

A new research report, “Strengthening Networks, Sparking Change: Museums and Libraries as Community Catalysts,” makes a unique contribution to understanding the role of museums and libraries by situating their work within a “community social wellbeing” framework, which incorporates multiple factors, not just economics, into measuring neighborhood wellness. The report includes case studies and a discussion of conceptual frameworks that can guide libraries and museums as they seek to spark catalytic change in their communities. 

Report highlights:

·        Changing community needs and priorities along with new modes of engagement have created an imperative for museums and libraries to connect with and serve the public in ways that extend beyond traditional institutional formats and settings.

·        Museums and libraries are part of institutional and interpersonal networks that support various dimensions of community social wellbeing

·        These institutions tend to focus on four broad areas of wellbeing: Lifelong Learning and Cultural Engagement, Economic Development, Physical/Mental Health, and Place-making and the Environment

·        Strengthening community networks enables museums/libraries to spark positive change.

It was authored by Reinvestment Fund’s Emily Dowdall and Michael Norton with support from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), and it is available for download on the IMLS website: https://www.imls.gov/publications/strengthening-networks-sparking-change-museums-and-libraries-community-catalysts