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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.
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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