What are some innovative community assessment methods that libraries are using to understand patron needs?

Libraries are more than just places to borrow books and access information. They are also hubs for community engagement, learning, and empowerment. To serve their patrons effectively, libraries need to understand their needs, preferences, and expectations. However, traditional methods of community assessment, such as surveys and focus groups, may not capture the full diversity and complexity of the library's users and non-users. That's why some libraries are adopting innovative approaches to community assessment that involve creativity, collaboration, and data analysis. Here are some examples of how libraries are using these methods to gain deeper insights into their patron needs.

1 Asset mapping

Asset mapping is a process of identifying and documenting the strengths, resources, and opportunities that exist in a community. It can help libraries discover what assets their patrons have, what they value, and what they need to improve their quality of life. Asset mapping can also help libraries build partnerships with other organizations and institutions that share similar goals and interests. For example, the Public Library Association (PLA) developed an asset mapping toolkit that guides libraries through the steps of conducting an asset mapping project, from defining the scope and purpose, to collecting and analyzing data, to creating and implementing action plans.

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Meredith Eliassen

Associate Librarian, Lecturer/Special Collections Librarian at San Francisco State University
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In academic libraries this is called curriculum mapping. It can be done by aligning library resources with current curriculum, student demographics, and budgets to identify strategies for information literacy instruction in different subject areas, outreach needs, prioritizing digital initiatives, collection development, and how to deploy human resource.

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Lindokuhle Mbiko

Document management| Deputy Director | Records Management | Metadata specialist
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Libraries are embracing innovative methods like interactive surveys embedded within digital catalogs, "Library Lab" sessions inviting patrons to co-design services, and even using virtual reality simulations to gather insights into patrons' preferences and needs. Additionally, some libraries are leveraging social media listening tools to analyze online conversations and gather real-time feedback from their community. These approaches offer dynamic and multifaceted ways to deeply understand and cater to patrons' evolving needs.

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Daiana Rosa
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El proceso de mapeo en las bibliitecas implica identificar y catalogar los recursos de la comunidad, como organizaciones, instituciones, empresas y personas con habilidades y conocimientos específicos. Esto ayuda a las bibliotecas a identificar las necesidades de la comunidad y desarrollar programas y servicios que las atiendan.

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2 Ethnographic research

Ethnographic research is a method of studying the culture, behavior, and experiences of a group of people through observation, participation, and interaction. It can help libraries gain a deeper understanding of how their patrons use the library, what challenges they face, and what motivations they have. Ethnographic research can also help libraries design services and programs that are responsive, relevant, and respectful of their patrons' needs and preferences. For example, the ERIAL (Ethnographic Research in Illinois Academic Libraries) project used ethnographic research methods, such as interviews, focus groups, and photo diaries, to explore how students and faculty use academic libraries and what they expect from them.

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3 Data visualization

Data visualization is a technique of presenting data in graphical or pictorial forms, such as charts, maps, or diagrams. It can help libraries communicate and interpret complex or large amounts of data in a clear and engaging way. Data visualization can also help libraries identify patterns, trends, and gaps in their data, and generate new insights and questions. For example, the Digital Public Library of America (DPLA) created a data dashboard that displays various metrics and indicators of the DPLA's collections, usage, and impact, such as the number of items, views, downloads, and sources.

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Daiana Rosa
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La visualización de datos puede ayudar a identificar tendencias y patrones en los datos que podrían pasar desapercibidos en una tabla de datos. Los gráficos y diagramas son ejemplos claros de visualización de datos que facilitan la compresión de la información por parte de los usuarios.

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4 Design thinking

Design thinking is a creative and collaborative approach to problem-solving that focuses on understanding the needs and desires of the users, generating ideas, prototyping solutions, and testing and refining them. It can help libraries create innovative and user-centered services and programs that address the challenges and opportunities of their communities. Design thinking can also help libraries foster a culture of experimentation, learning, and improvement. For example, the Chicago Public Library (CPL) used design thinking methods, such as empathy interviews, brainstorming sessions, and prototyping workshops, to develop new services and spaces for teens, such as the YOUmedia center and the Teen Learning Lab.

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Daiana Rosa
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El pensamiento de diseño coloca al usuario en el centro del proceso de innovación, lo que garantiza que las soluciones desarrolladas respondan a sus necesidades y expectativas. Al invertir en el pensamiento de diseño, las bibliotecas pueden posicionarse como centros de innovación y aprendizaje relevantes para la comunidad.

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5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Maxine Cooper

Adjunct Librarian
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BMCC librarians are keenly aware of how stressful the end of semester preparations can be for student, so they offer games, art projects, and music appreciation near the end of each semester to help students relax and DeStress. The Learning Resource Center (LRC) offer students assistance with writing their papers, math tutoring etc. The full-time Librarians list dates and times of availability on the BMCC website; wherein, students can make appointments to help with their research. There are free supplies available for students to use: Laptops, graphic and scientific calculators, chargers, earbuds, pens, pencils, flash drives, staplers, rulers, scissors, paper clips, hot spots, tablets, Bluetooth keyboards and iPads and printing access.

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Heidi Colom

Librarian at Tampa-Hillsborough Public Library System
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Interactive displays. They are not just fun ways to conduct a passive program. But they also ask questions and reveal answers about which resources do patrons seek and enjoy. For example: asking who your favorite middle grade book series is your favorite in the Juvenile section, or which subject would you like to see more magazines available in the Adult section. Not only they engage patrons, but it also collects their feedback in a way where they enjoy participating and contributing to the library.

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What are some innovative community assessment methods that libraries are using to understand patron needs?

1

2

3

4

5

1 Asset mapping

2 Ethnographic research

3 Data visualization

4 Design thinking

5 Here’s what else to consider

Library Services

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What are some innovative community assessment methods that libraries are using to understand patron needs?

1

2

3

4

5

1 Asset mapping

2 Ethnographic research

3 Data visualization

4 Design thinking

5 Here’s what else to consider

Library Services

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