by
2 years ago

Community engagement

a chat with Nancy Kranich, former ALA President, Lecturer and Special Projects Librarian at Rutgers University

  1. mclsorg
    MCLS@mclsorg
    Welcome to our Third Thursday chat! #mclschat
    2 years ago
  2. mclsorg
    MCLS@mclsorg
    Q1: What is the difference between community engagement and outreach? #mclschat
    2 years ago
  3. merenner
    Melissa Renner@merenner
    Outreach takes the library to the community. Engagement does that + brings them back to the library. #mclschat
    2 years ago
  4. nkranich
    Nancy Kranich@nkranich
    Outreach: For community; Engagement: With community #mclschat
    2 years ago
  5. nkranich
    Nancy Kranich@nkranich
    Outreach: One way; Engagement: Relationship building #mclschat
    2 years ago
  6. nkranich
    Nancy Kranich@nkranich
    Outreach: Deepens relationships with current stakeholders; Engagement: grows out of relationships #mclschat
    2 years ago
  7. nkranich
    Nancy Kranich@nkranich
    Outreach: Extends organization’s reach; Engagement: Factors in the interests of the community #mclschat
    2 years ago
  8. meldotorg
    Michigan eLibrary@meldotorg
    A1: Engagement can happen online & in person. #mclschat
    2 years ago
  9. nkranich
    Nancy Kranich@nkranich
    Can't outreach happen online too? #mclschat
    2 years ago
  10. merenner
    Melissa Renner@merenner
    CE has a sense of embeddedness #mclschat
    2 years ago
  11. nkranich
    Nancy Kranich@nkranich
    Love the idea of embeddedness. It's an academic library engagement path too! #mclschat
    2 years ago
  12. meldotorg
    Michigan eLibrary@meldotorg
    Embedded can be in the local @MichWorksAssn office working w/job seekers & showing #meldatabases #mclschat
    2 years ago
  13. nkranich
    Nancy Kranich@nkranich
    Outreach: Provides services to underserved populations at their locations; Raises awareness of existing services #mclschat
    2 years ago
  14. nkranich
    Nancy Kranich@nkranich
    Outreach Fills service gaps. Keeps “outreacher” at center #mclschat
    2 years ago
  15. mclsorg
    MCLS@mclsorg
    Q2: Why is community engagement that important? #mclschat
    2 years ago
  16. merenner
    Melissa Renner@merenner
    I'm keeping my customer's goals in mind, and how I can meet their needs. Not how they can meet library's needs. #mclschat
    2 years ago
  17. nkranich
    Nancy Kranich@nkranich
    Focuses us on community and on impact, not inputs or outcomes #mclschat
    2 years ago
  18. nkranich
    Nancy Kranich@nkranich
    Allows us to make a real difference in people’s lives #mclschat
    2 years ago
  19. meldotorg
    Michigan eLibrary@meldotorg
    A2: Gone are the days when we sit back & wait for people to come to the library; they are the library! #mclschat
    2 years ago
  20. merenner
    Melissa Renner@merenner
    Community engagement keeps libs in the forefront, not an afterthought. #mclschat
    2 years ago
  21. nkranich
    Nancy Kranich@nkranich
    Yes, they are the library! And we need to get out from behind our edifice complex! #mclschat
    2 years ago
  22. nkranich
    Nancy Kranich@nkranich
    Communities welcome opportunities for greater involvement and are eager to join these efforts #mclschat
    2 years ago
  23. meldotorg
    Michigan eLibrary@meldotorg
    A2: community engagement lets us show what we have & how it contributes to a locale. #mclschat
    2 years ago
  24. nkranich
    Nancy Kranich@nkranich
    Encourages more support and recognition #mclschat
    2 years ago
  25. nkranich
    Nancy Kranich@nkranich
    Deepens our institution’s involvement and strengthens our relationships with our communities #mclschat
    2 years ago
  26. nkranich
    Nancy Kranich@nkranich
    How do we contribute is a really important question. What is our value??? #mclschat
    2 years ago
  27. nkranich
    Nancy Kranich@nkranich
    Builds trust #mclschat
    2 years ago
  28. merenner
    Melissa Renner@merenner
    Also displays our commitment to our communities #mclschat
    2 years ago
  29. nkranich
    Nancy Kranich@nkranich
    For everyone in the community #mclschat
    2 years ago
  30. merenner
    Melissa Renner@merenner
    Then we may as well be talking to ourselves. #mclschat
    2 years ago
  31. nkranich
    Nancy Kranich@nkranich
    Commitment--a really important point. Too often we seem committed to our library alone #mclschat
    2 years ago
  32. nkranich
    Nancy Kranich@nkranich
    Enables libraries to span boundaries that connect people #mclschat
    2 years ago
  33. nkranich
    Nancy Kranich@nkranich
    Builds community #mclschat
    2 years ago
  34. merenner
    Melissa Renner@merenner
    Let's face it - partnerships are fun! #mclschat
    2 years ago
  35. nkranich
    Nancy Kranich@nkranich
    Provides pathway for people to engage across divides. #mclschat
    2 years ago
  36. meldotorg
    Michigan eLibrary@meldotorg
    A2: commitment shows we understand & respect the community #mclschat
    2 years ago
  37. nkranich
    Nancy Kranich@nkranich
    Especially fun when people dance well together. It's a tango! #mclschat
    2 years ago
  38. nkranich
    Nancy Kranich@nkranich
    Absolutely, understanding the community is essential. Public knowledge is what we call it. It shows empathy.. #mclschat
    2 years ago
  39. merenner
    Melissa Renner@merenner
    We really are translators. We bring needs of community back to the library when we engage. #mclschat
    2 years ago
  40. nkranich
    Nancy Kranich@nkranich
    Helps us know our value, uncover where we fit, and recognize the challenges we can address #mclschat
    2 years ago
  41. AnnaZichiCurtis
    Anna Zichi-Curtis@AnnaZichiCurtis
    How do we go about starting to engage with the community? #mclschat
    2 years ago
  42. meldotorg
    Michigan eLibrary@meldotorg
    A2: it can require that a library leave behind their pre-conceptions & listen to what's being expressed #mclschat
    2 years ago
  43. mclsorg
    MCLS@mclsorg
    Thank for the question @AnnaZichiCurtis! We are about to "go there"! #mclschat
    2 years ago
  44. nkranich
    Nancy Kranich@nkranich
    Yes, bring people back but also meet people where the are. On campus, we get into the flow of our users #mclschat
    2 years ago
  45. merenner
    Melissa Renner@merenner
    @nkranich #truth #mclschat
    2 years ago
  46. nkranich
    Nancy Kranich@nkranich
    Positions us as leaders and change agents. Connects us more closely to our constituents #mclschat
    2 years ago
  47. merenner
    Melissa Renner@merenner
    We are finding that people don't want to come to classes. So we do 1:1 tech training. #mclschat
    2 years ago
  48. nkranich
    Nancy Kranich@nkranich
    Accelerates change and progress in our communities. Brings people together #mclschat
    2 years ago
  49. Dawn_FCPL
    Dawn Grubbs@Dawn_FCPL
    Our 1:1 has died down too, though #mclschat
    2 years ago
  50. merenner
    Melissa Renner@merenner
    1:1 in library? Or out in community? #mclschat
    2 years ago
  51. nkranich
    Nancy Kranich@nkranich
    How do we go with the flow? Find new ways to deliver our services... #mclschat
    2 years ago
  52. nkranich
    Nancy Kranich@nkranich
    Strengthens our relationships with our communities. Roots our work and decision in what matters to people #mclschat
    2 years ago
  53. meldotorg
    Michigan eLibrary@meldotorg
    "Insert" the library in community discussions; be visible & in non-traditional ways - parades, fairs, walks, farmers markets, #mclschat
    2 years ago
  54. nkranich
    Nancy Kranich@nkranich
    Think about what people are telling us if they no longer want to come to classes. Do you use  http://Linda.com ? #mclschat
    2 years ago
  55. nkranich
    Nancy Kranich@nkranich
    Community festivities are how communities build identities and social capital. Yes, show up and be a part! #mclschat
    2 years ago
  56. merenner
    Melissa Renner@merenner
    Yes we do have  http://Lynda.com . Going to show how it works next month at a women's shelter! :) #mclschat
    2 years ago
  57. meldotorg
    Michigan eLibrary@meldotorg
    Look @mel's Books & Literacy Gateway for digital literacy tools  http://mel.org/index.php?P=MeLGateways&ParentId=187 … #mclschat
    2 years ago
  58. nkranich
    Nancy Kranich@nkranich
    Shifts from library as container for stuff to become catalyst and civic agent. Enables democratic discourse #mclschat
    2 years ago
  59. Dawn_FCPL
    Dawn Grubbs@Dawn_FCPL
    We have  http://Lynda.com , but only staff use, never used for patrons....good thought #mclschat
    2 years ago
  60. meldotorg
    Michigan eLibrary@meldotorg
    GCF LearnFree is a fabulous resource  http://www.gcflearnfree.org/technology  #mclschat
    2 years ago
  61. merenner
    Melissa Renner@merenner
    I *love* GFCLearnFree #mclschat
    2 years ago
  62. mclsorg
    MCLS@mclsorg
    Q3: How do you get started? #mclschat
    2 years ago
  63. nkranich
    Nancy Kranich@nkranich
    Lay the Groundwork #mclschat
    2 years ago
  64. nkranich
    Nancy Kranich@nkranich
    Talk to people who might be receptive. Find allies. Get your trustees and administrators on board #mclschat
    2 years ago
  65. nkranich
    Nancy Kranich@nkranich
    Meet with those who can influence others Start talking about different ways of doing things #mclschat
    2 years ago
  66. merenner
    Melissa Renner@merenner
    I created categories for myself. Then finding the orgs that fit those categories, then contacting them all. #mclschat
    2 years ago
  67. nkranich
    Nancy Kranich@nkranich
    Build upon existing relationships and sphere of influence. Work your network #mclschat
    2 years ago
  68. merenner
    Melissa Renner@merenner
    It does help if you know someone who has a few connections. Quick success is very nourishing! #mclschat
    2 years ago
  69. nkranich
    Nancy Kranich@nkranich
    What kind of categories did you create, Melissa? #mclschat
    2 years ago
  70. MissyMcPherson
    Melissa McPherson@MissyMcPherson
    I am new to my area and I have volunteer as a Chamber Ambassador and try to help with as much as I can. #mclschat
    2 years ago
  71. merenner
    Melissa Renner@merenner
    Senior centers, shelters, food banks, veterans, health orgs to start #mclschat
    2 years ago
  72. nkranich
    Nancy Kranich@nkranich
    This is not a spectator sport #mclschat
    2 years ago
  73. nkranich
    Nancy Kranich@nkranich
    Chamber ambassador role sounds like a real keeper! #mclschat
    2 years ago
  74. meldotorg
    Michigan eLibrary@meldotorg
    Find an organization that needs volunteers, content for their newsletter, speaker for mtgs. #mclschat
    2 years ago
  75. merenner
    Melissa Renner@merenner
    Farmer's markets and local recreational paths on my list but not sure what I'm going to do with them. #mclschat
    2 years ago
  76. nkranich
    Nancy Kranich@nkranich
    Involve thought leaders and those with fingers on the pulse. Create a team. Need early win to fuel progress #mclschat
    2 years ago
  77. AnnaZichiCurtis
    Anna Zichi-Curtis@AnnaZichiCurtis
    @merenner StoryWalks! #mclschat
    2 years ago
  78. merenner
    Melissa Renner@merenner
    @MissyMcPherson very cool #mclschat
    2 years ago
  79. nkranich
    Nancy Kranich@nkranich
    Begin to talk to your library team about hopes and goals. Use the ASK exercise about aspirations as a starter at the market #mclschat
    2 years ago
  80. meldotorg
    Michigan eLibrary@meldotorg
    Set up a booth at the FM & have a kid's activity; sign people up for a library card, bring a chair & do a short story hr, #mclschat
    2 years ago
  81. nkranich
    Nancy Kranich@nkranich
    We did Legos at Rutgers Day last year and kids loved the library booth!!!! #mclschat
    2 years ago
  82. nkranich
    Nancy Kranich@nkranich
    Use the Turn Quiz to get a sense of how outward you are—both individually and as an organization #mclschat
    2 years ago
  83. meldotorg
    Michigan eLibrary@meldotorg
    Print off some Brookie coloring pages from the MeL Kids Gateway & talk MeL ! #mclschat
    2 years ago
  84. nkranich
    Nancy Kranich@nkranich
    Turn Quiz is a great tool from Harwood. On the Libraries Transform Communities site. #mclschat
    2 years ago
  85. mclsorg
    MCLS@mclsorg
    Turn quiz  http://bit.ly/1NmH0HH  #mclschat
    2 years ago
  86. nkranich
    Nancy Kranich@nkranich
    Put in place the thought processes that will lead to long term change #mclschat
    2 years ago
  87. nkranich
    Nancy Kranich@nkranich
    Define pathway-- Clarify what you want to strive for #mclschat
    2 years ago
  88. nkranich
    Nancy Kranich@nkranich
    Build relationships with people connected to missing groups and voices. Start with small steps #mclschat
    2 years ago
  89. merenner
    Melissa Renner@merenner
    I think you need to clearly decide on what you're going to say before taking it to the streets. #mclschat
    2 years ago
  90. merenner
    Melissa Renner@merenner
    Ask "Tell me about your organization" instead of immediately trying to sell the library. #mclschat
    2 years ago
  91. mclsorg
    MCLS@mclsorg
    Q4: Do you need specialized training? #mclschat
    2 years ago
  92. nkranich
    Nancy Kranich@nkranich
    No, but tapping into the resource on the Libraries Transform Community site can help. #mclschat
    2 years ago
  93. nkranich
    Nancy Kranich@nkranich
    Attending a Harwood Innovator’s Lab was transformative for me and gave me the tools and confidence to get started. #mclschat
    2 years ago
  94. nkranich
    Nancy Kranich@nkranich
    What helps is training on how to facilitate/moderate dialogue #mclschat
    2 years ago
  95. nkranich
    Nancy Kranich@nkranich
    Training on various dialogic processes is also helpful; e.g. work cafes, open space, appreciative inquiry, deliberative dialogue #mclschat
    2 years ago
  96. nkranich
    Nancy Kranich@nkranich
    Yes, asking about them rather then feeling the need to deliver information is perfect #mclschat
    2 years ago
  97. nkranich
    Nancy Kranich@nkranich
    Initiative coordinators often need to act as: coach, spokesperson, liaison, confidant, recorder, reporter, facilitator #mclschat
    2 years ago
  98. meldotorg
    Michigan eLibrary@meldotorg
    Brookie coloring page  http://kids.mel.org/local/interface/MeLKids/images/MeLKidsColoringSheet.pdf … #mclschat
    2 years ago
  99. meldotorg
    Michigan eLibrary@meldotorg
    @LibraryofMich & @mclsorg have a joint project to train Mich. libraries in Harwood techniques,  http://1.usa.gov/1plSTSY  #mclschat
    2 years ago
  100. nkranich
    Nancy Kranich@nkranich
    Other skills: strategist, host, bull’s-eye, head cook and dishwasher, magnet, glue, observer, cheerleader, and referee. #mclschat
    2 years ago
  101. mclsorg
    MCLS@mclsorg
    Q5: Who should be doing the engagement work? #mclschat
    2 years ago
  102. nkranich
    Nancy Kranich@nkranich
    Anyone with a passion for community and making a difference. #mclschat
    2 years ago
  103. nkranich
    Nancy Kranich@nkranich
    People not afraid to jump in and listen, take risks, do new things, think together, innovate #mclschat
    2 years ago
  104. nkranich
    Nancy Kranich@nkranich
    A diverse group is best, include community stakeholders #mclschat
    2 years ago
  105. mclsorg
    MCLS@mclsorg
    Q6: What do you learn from your engagement efforts? #mclschat
    2 years ago
  106. nkranich
    Nancy Kranich@nkranich
    Public knowledge—what people in your community want and what they’re struggling with. #mclschat
    2 years ago
  107. meldotorg
    Michigan eLibrary@meldotorg
    A6: you learn other perspectives. #mclschat
    2 years ago
  108. nkranich
    Nancy Kranich@nkranich
    Who people trust. Who are part of people’s networks. What matters to people so you can root your work and decisions #mclschat
    2 years ago
  109. nkranich
    Nancy Kranich@nkranich
    Other perspectives are eye openers #mclschat
    2 years ago
  110. nkranich
    Nancy Kranich@nkranich
    Identify key issues and their connections in language that people use. Translator in reverse! #mclschat
    2 years ago
  111. nkranich
    Nancy Kranich@nkranich
    Uncover a sense of common purpose. Set realistic goals. Inform choices so work is more relevant and has greater impact #mclschat
    2 years ago
  112. mclsorg
    MCLS@mclsorg
    Q7: What do you do with this new information? #mclschat
    2 years ago
  113. nkranich
    Nancy Kranich@nkranich
    Use it to learn and then develop innovative ways to move forward. Identify partners and opportunities. #mclschat
    2 years ago
  114. nkranich
    Nancy Kranich@nkranich
    Expand ideas of what’s possible when we turn outwards. LEARN. Calibrate our efforts to the community’s aspirations and concerns #mclschat
    2 years ago
  115. meldotorg
    Michigan eLibrary@meldotorg
    A7: you integrate it & use during library planning & activities #mclschat
    2 years ago
  116. nkranich
    Nancy Kranich@nkranich
    Yes, it's a great training tool. #mclschat
    2 years ago
  117. mclsorg
    MCLS@mclsorg
    Q8: How can you measure these new projects and initiatives? #mclschat
    2 years ago
  118. nkranich
    Nancy Kranich@nkranich
    When the community increases its capacity to “concert”—to work together, this is progress. #mclschat
    2 years ago
  119. nkranich
    Nancy Kranich@nkranich
    We should consider both organizational and individual impact #mclschat
    2 years ago
  120. nkranich
    Nancy Kranich@nkranich
    Organizational: Develop new orientation, approaches and capacities for libraries through this work. Turn outward #mclschat
    2 years ago
  121. nkranich
    Nancy Kranich@nkranich
    Organizational Impact: Stronger emphasis on authentic engagement. Increased capacity to engage with the community #mclschat
    2 years ago
  122. nkranich
    Nancy Kranich@nkranich
    Stronger set of relationships for moving ahead and acting upon community priorities #mclschat
    2 years ago
  123. meldotorg
    Michigan eLibrary@meldotorg
    A8: by capturing anecdotal success stories - the library helped me get a job, find x, get online... #mclschat
    2 years ago
  124. nkranich
    Nancy Kranich@nkranich
    Measuring Individual Impact: Change how individuals think about and work within communities #mclschat
    2 years ago
  125. nkranich
    Nancy Kranich@nkranich
    Stories are central to community engagement. Think how we are advancing the community--capacity building to work together #mclschat
    2 years ago
  126. nkranich
    Nancy Kranich@nkranich
    Changes in individuals’ orientation toward community. New practices and skills that enable embedded authentic engagement efforts #mclschat
    2 years ago
  127. mclsorg
    MCLS@mclsorg
    Last question - What can libraries expect to see happening if they are successful? #mclschat
    2 years ago
  128. mclsorg
    MCLS@mclsorg
    What would it look like? #mclschat
    2 years ago
  129. nkranich
    Nancy Kranich@nkranich
    More visibility, invited to the table or, better still, setting the table. Inclusion in other community initiatives #mclschat
    2 years ago
  130. MissyMcPherson
    Melissa McPherson@MissyMcPherson
    I keep telling my staff that they are all community ambassadors. KEEP THINGS POSITIVE. Turn the negative thinking to POSITIVE! #mclschat
    2 years ago
  131. nkranich
    Nancy Kranich@nkranich
    Greater value, more support, participation by those who never used the library. Greater sense of the whole, feeling connected #mclschat
    2 years ago
  132. nkranich
    Nancy Kranich@nkranich
    Focus on “collaborative roles” or “partnership roles” rather than service roles #mclschat
    2 years ago
  133. mclsorg
    MCLS@mclsorg
    Great conversation. Thank you @nkranich! Thank you everyone for participating! #mclschat
    2 years ago
  134. nkranich
    Nancy Kranich@nkranich
    Yes, Positive and onward! #mclschat
    2 years ago
  135. meldotorg
    Michigan eLibrary@meldotorg
    Thank you so much @nkranich & @mclsorg & library folks. Great conversation. see you next mth. #mclschat #mclschat
    2 years ago