Beyond the Walls: OUTREACH

By Maria Gentle and Mariela Aguilar

April 2009

OUTREACH: What is it?Effort by individuals in an organization or

group to connect its ideas or practices to the efforts of other organizations, groups, specific audiences or the general public.

Goal: engagement (not just dissemination or education)

Strategies: linked to the organization’s mission, and definite targets, goals, and milestones.

Non-profits, civic groups, churches.

SIX STEPS TO CREATING A LIBRARY OUTREACH

PROGRAM

Identify the underserved areas of your community

Locate social service agencies and/or community groups currently working in underserved areas

Develop a plan to implement library outreach service

SIX STEPS TO CREATING A LIBRARY OUTREACH PROGRAM

Contact potential partners

Develop a program

Implement a program

STEPS FOR DEVELOPING A LIBRARY OUTREACH PROGRAM

See the BIG PICTURE

Hire the best

Get staff the best training you can

Listen to your potential users

Don’t do it alone

STEPS FOR CREATING A LIBRARY OUTREACH

PROGRAM

Network

Get involved in the profession

Get ownership of outreach services from all library staff

Gather information that helps you justify your service

Change and evolve as situations demand

STEPS FOR CREATING A LIBRARY OUTREACH PROGRAM

Promote your services well

Learn about community development

SOME PROGRAMMING IDEAS

Story programs at local daycares and schools

Participation in existing school and community literacy events

Involvement in local special events

SOME PROGRAMMING IDEAS

Storytelling and/or library presentations at family/community resource centers and schools

Participation in after school programs

Develop and “Alert” and/or “Table of Contents” service

Provide activities for people with special needs

SOME PROGRAMMING IDEAS

Made the library’s catalog available 24/7 to everyone through the web

Provide a library webpage

Organize reading clubs in different community locations

Develop programs to assist with career preparation in schools

Etc, etc, etc…

For more information…

Visit ALA’s Office for Literacy and Outreach Services (OLOS): http://www.ala.org/ala/aboutala/offices/olos/index.cfm

QUESTIONS?