Academic Library Outreach: A Framework

Angela M Stangl

Abstract


Academic libraries could play a role in community service and outreach if a framework was developed to address challenges that often arise in these sorts of ventures.  The term “community” has the potential to be applied more broadly by expanding the scope beyond the campus community. By extending the definition of community, we are greeted with a new population of users who have variety of needs—from informational to media literacy–that could be met through outreach endeavors. This paper seeks to outline potential ways in which the core missions of academic libraries align with these broader needs of community partners. Through a case study approach, it was possible to identify not only points of alignment with the library or university mission but also potential limitations and challenges with community engagement beyond the campus community.

Keywords: Academic library outreach, community engagement, outreach, community partnerships


Full Text:

PDF

References


Burhanna, K. J., Gedeon, J., Jensen, M. L., & Schloman, B. F. (2009). “Reaching Forward: Three High School Outreach

Initiatives at Kent State University.” In N. Courtney (Ed.), Academic Library Outreach: Beyond the Campus Walls. Westport, Conn.: Libraries Unlimited.

Courtney, N. (Ed.). (2009). “Breaking out of our shell: expanding the definition of outreach in academic libraries.” In Academic

Library Outreach: Beyond the Campus Walls. Libraries Unlimited: Wesport, Conn.

Dennis, M. (2012). “Outreach initiatives in academic libraries, 2009-2011.” Reference Services Review, 40(3), 368–383.

doi:10.1108/00907321211254643

Dewey, J. (1998). Experience and Education (60th Anniversary Edition). Kappa Delta Pi: West Lafayette, Ind.

Eubanks, V. (2011). Digital dead end: fighting for social justice in the information age. Cambridge, Mass.: MIT Press. Retrieved

from: http://vufind.carli.illinois.edu/vf-uiu/Record/uiu_7168535

Innovation Center for Community and Youth Devleopment. (2005). Reflect and Improve: A tool kit of engagine youth an adults as

partners in program evaluation. Retrieved from

http://www.theinnovationcenter.org/files/Reflect-and-Improve_Toolkit.pdf

Josey, E. J., Quick, R. C., Scott, J. E., Heintz, E. C., Lamont, B., Elser, G. C., & Howard, E. A. (1967). Community Use of

Academic Libraries: A Symposium. College & Research Libraries, 28(3), 184–202. Retrieved from http://crl.acrl.org/content/28/3/184

Kudlay, R. (2000). “Orienting Neighborhood Youth to an Academic Library.” The Reference Librarian, 32(67-68), 111–130.

doi:10.1300/J120v32n67_09

Long, D. (2011). “Latino Students’ Perceptions of the Academic Library.” The Journal of Academic Librarianship,

(6), 504–511.

Prairie Net. Shadow Wood Engagement. Blog. Retrieved from: http://www.prairienet.org/sites/shadowwood/

Schneider, Tina. 2003. “Outreach: Why, How and Who? Academic Libraries and Their Involvement in the Community.” The

Reference Librarian 39(82): 199–213.http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1300/J120v39n82_13 (June 19, 2013).

Stoecker, R. (2005). Research Methods for Community Change: A project-based approach. Sage Publications:

Thousand Oaks, Calif.

Zitron, L. (n.d.). Why? The Outreach Librarian. Blog. Retrieved from: http://theoutreachlibrarian.com/why/

Zitron, L., Wolse, M. & Barry, M. (2013). Out of the Library and into the Community: Academic Librarians and Community

Engagement (ACRL WGSS). America Library Association Conference 2013. Retrieved from http://ala13.ala.org/node/10088