From Isolation to Conversation: Talking with the Community – Part 2

Access to the session archives are linked below.

Background

During the pandemic, many people pulled into themselves. Yet a drive for connection, and for meaningful conversation, persisted. Now, when the pandemic seems to have receded to the background, many librarians are wondering what’s next. Do we go back to the same old approaches? Should we make a few incremental changes? Or is it time for a radical reimagining of our roles?

This landscape has sparked the trend of public libraries conducting community interviews with key stakeholders. This strategy has many benefits:

• build relationships with people of influence or power in the community
• better understand your community and environment
• gain specific strategies to plan for future offerings
• benefit in a host of other ways

Interested? This hands-on series walks you through how to do it!

• Part 1: Plan your project
• Part 2: Interviewing logistics
• Part 3: Analysis & use

Resources for developing your community interview project:

• Field Guide to Community Conversations

About the Presenters:

Jamie LaRue, Garfield County Libraries, has traveled the country to roll out this method in small, rural, medium, and large size libraries. He will be joined by Brenda Marshall, Pine River Library District and Nancy Trimm, Bemis Public Library (Littleton), who have both conducted these interviews and will tell stories of their experiences and the benefits. Alysa Selby, Bud Werner Library (Steamboat), has spearheaded this series and will join and encourage those just starting to undertake this process. Sharon Morris and Kieran Hixon, Colorado State Library will host these Zoom events and the follow up recordings and support to libraries of all sizes.