CASE STUDY INFOGRAPHIC

Case Study : Enhancing Community Engagement at Local Libraries

Organization

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The Challenge

The Solution

40+

markets

locations

10,000+

resources

75+

workers

The Riverdale Public Library, a medium-sized library in a diverse suburban area, offers a wide range of resources and programs to support lifelong learning and community engagement.

Despite a rich array of services, the library faces declining visitor numbers and program participation. The library seeks to understand community needs better and enhance engagement, particularly among underrepresented groups within the suburban area.

To address this challenge, students are tasked with identifying an appropriate qualitative research method that will enable the library to deeply understand the barriers to community engagement and the needs of the community.

Qualitative ResearchMethods

With over 40 markets of library users, the need is there.

There are 15 branch locations in the city.

The 15 locations have over 1,000 resources each. That is over 15,000 combined resources.

Nearly 100 employees work in these libraries.

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Benefit to Organization

This case study provides the organization with deep insights into community needs and barriers to engagement, enabling targeted improvements in services and programs to increase visitor numbers and participation.

Methods/Student Directions

Choose a qualitative research method.

Describe the type of data you expect to collect and how this data will be analyzed to reveal insights into the community's needs and perceptions towards the library.

Based on the chosen method, outline a plan detailing the research process, including participant recruitment, data collection, and analysis procedures

Reflect on how your research findings could be implemented to develop targeted programs and services, improve marketing and outreach efforts, and ultimately increase community engagement in the library.

Case Study : Enhancing Community Engagement at Local Libraries

Qualitative ResearchMethods

This case study encourages students to apply qualitative research methods to a real-world problem, enhancing their understanding of the nuances and complexities involved in community-oriented research.

Students must decide between methods such as ethnographic studies, in-depth interviews, focus groups, or participatory action research (PAR). Each method has its strengths in uncovering rich, detailed insigh

This plan should consider ethical considerations, particularly consent and confidentiality.

Students should also hypothesize potential barriers to engagement and suggest strategies the library can use to overcome these barriers.

The reflection should include implications for further consider, implications for practice, and implications for policy.

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