Another planning-methodology-cum-call-for-change:
This is a report/initiative by the Aspen Institute. It posits that we are in a time of change which requires expanded access to education, learning opportunities and social connections, and which represents an opportunity for public libraries "with their unique stature as trusted community hubs and repositories of knowledge and information."
"The process of re-envisioning public libraries to maximize their impact reflects:
This is a report/initiative by the Aspen Institute. It posits that we are in a time of change which requires expanded access to education, learning opportunities and social connections, and which represents an opportunity for public libraries "with their unique stature as trusted community hubs and repositories of knowledge and information."
"The process of re-envisioning public libraries to maximize their impact reflects:
- Principles that have always been at the center of the public library's mission - equity, access, opportunity, openness and participation
- The library's capacity to drive opportunity and success in today's knowledge-based society
- An emerging model of networked libraries that promote economies of scale and broadens the library's resource reach while preserving its local presence
- The library's fundamental people, place and platform assets."
People, place and platform - that's a good summary of what a public library is!
Their strategies for success:
- Align library services in support of community goals (YES)
- Provide access to content in all formats (which seems to mean econtent to them but which I think speaks to print disabled content too)
- Ensure the long term sustainability of public libraries
- Cultivate leadership
Their publications include an Action Guide for libraries and a Facilitator's Guide for facilitators who will use the report as the framework for community engagement and strategic planning.
