Working with Surrey Library Services
We have enjoyed working with Surrey County Council to co-design engagement and ongoing support for its library services over the past 14 months. The aim of the training and support was to explore how libraries could improve their engagement with their local area and communities as the library service works towards a co-design approach.
We facilitated 8 cohorts, offering each cohort 3 online training sessions in community engagement and co-design for members of staff at Surrey libraries. We followed this with an evaluation, which showed great learning and opportunities to continue working to develop the project further. Since then, we have supported further co-design through the delivery of different approaches to help embed the learning.
This included in-depth coaching and mentoring across four different geographical areas, some face-to-face workshops and three action learning sets offering a reflective practice approach. All of these approaches aim to share and support good practice and we hope that the learning will really help Surrey Library Service further embed co-design going forward.
Libraries’ Role within Communities
This work has allowed me the opportunity to reflect on the role of libraries in engaging with communities. I am now more aware of the importance of engaging with communities in the library sector. Libraries play a critical role in communities, providing access to knowledge, resources, and opportunities for personal growth and development. However, libraries cannot operate in isolation from the communities they serve. It is essential to build relationships and engage with communities to ensure that libraries remain relevant and responsive to their needs.
One of the key reasons for engaging with communities is to promote access and inclusion. Libraries serve as gateways to information, and it is essential to ensure that everyone has access to these resources. By engaging with communities, libraries can learn about the specific needs and interests of their patrons, and tailor their collections and services to meet those needs. This is particularly important for marginalized or underrepresented communities, who may face barriers to accessing library resources. Engaging with these communities can help to identify and address those barriers, and ensure that everyone has equal access to the library’s resources.
Another important reason for engaging with communities is to foster a sense of ownership and investment in the library. When communities feel that they have a stake in the library’s success, they are more likely to use and support it. Engaging with communities can help to build trust and relationships, and create a sense of partnership between the library and its patrons. This can lead to increased attendance at library programs and events, as well as greater advocacy for library funding and support.
Rising to Challenges and Staying Relevant
Engaging with communities can also help libraries to stay relevant and responsive to changing needs and interests. Communities are dynamic and constantly evolving, and it is important for libraries to keep pace with those changes. By engaging with communities, libraries can learn about new trends, emerging issues, and changing demographics, and adjust their programs and services accordingly. This can help to ensure that the library remains a vital and vibrant part of the community.
Finally, engaging with communities can help libraries to build resilience and sustainability. Libraries are facing many challenges in the current environment, including funding cuts, changing technologies, and competition from other sources of information and entertainment. Engaging with communities can help libraries to build a strong base of support, both in terms of funding and advocacy. This can help to ensure that libraries remain a vital part of the community for years to come.
In conclusion, engaging with communities is essential for the success of libraries in the 21st century. By promoting access and inclusion, fostering a sense of ownership and investment, staying relevant and responsive, and building resilience and sustainability, libraries can continue to serve as important resources for knowledge, growth, and development.