2011•Proceedings of the 2011 iConferenceRequires access
Community engagement in public libraries
Hui‐Yun Sung, Mark E. Hepworth, Gillian Ragsdell
Open publisher page 10 citations
Abstract
An awareness of the importance of effective community engagement has been increasing over the past ten years. A number of public bodies in the U. K. and overseas have recognised the importance of engaging with local communities in their services and are tackling this issue. The purpose of this research is to investigate essential elements for effective community engagement in public libraries. This research takes a qualitative approach to capture both service providers' and service users' perspectives in the process of community engagement. This research will help to provide an overview of what is being done, leading to a detailed insight into what form community engagement can take and what makes it work, as well as the challenges. Hence, the research will inform future community engagement projects in library services and information services.