Every library has its superusers. You know them—the people and families you see weekly, exchanging one pile of books for another, or attending every program that piques their interests.
Librarians rightfully love them and build relationships with superusers, but they are not the only people we serve. One of the most challenging parts of being a librarian is letting others in the community who are not entering our doors find us and our services. We know we have something to offer, if only we can get the word out and eliminate barriers to services.
What can those barriers be? Transportation, language, distrust of institutions, etc. How do we overcome them?
The Managing Children’s Committee would like to invite all of you to a We Are ALSC Chat to find out. The chat, a free Zoom event to be held Thursday, October 20th at 5 p.m. CST, will feature Dr. Katie Campana from Kent State University and her research team (Jacquie Kociubuk at the University of Wisconsin, Madison and J. Elizabeth Mills and Dr. Michelle Martin from the University of Washington). Their research focuses on reaching underserved communities, especially in the wake of COVID-19.
Join us as we learn more about their research, how it’s applicable to our work with children, and to brainstorm together on how to reach underserved people in our communities. Register here.
Today’s blog post was written by Maria Trivisonno, Family Engagement Specialist at Cuyahoga County Public Library in suburban Cleveland, Ohio on behalf of the ALSC Managing Children’s Committee. She can be reached at mtrivisonno@cuyahogalibrary.org.
This post addresses the core competencies of I. Commitment to Client Group, V. Outreach and Advocacy, and VII. Professionalism and Professional Development.