Tuesday, February 8, 2022
Last week, the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, in partnership with the American Library Association, announced that the outcome of a statewide community engagement program is now available. The Wisconsin Libraries Transforming Communities 2020-2021 Final Report and Evaluation shows the results of the 18-month program, which trained participants on how to build deep, authentic relationships in their community to inform the development of library policies, practices, and services. View the full report here.
Thirty-six coaches and team members from 14 counties in 12 different library systems were selected to participate. The program ran from February 2020 through August 2021. Developers intended the program to be a hybrid of in-person trainings and webinars, which turned to all virtual due to the pandemic. Despite the redirection of the project, libraries brought communities together to address issues identified in community conversations.
In Kenosha, team members created a video series of interviews with diverse community leaders to showcase the city’s unique culture. In Marinette County, after community conversations revealed a need for better internet access, the library system raised awareness and improved access to a community internet hotspot.
For additional information, visit the DPI’s website here or go to Team Spotlights here for more project details.
The WLTC project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation's libraries and museums. We advance, support, and empower America’s museums, libraries, and related organizations through grantmaking, research, and policy development. Our vision is a nation where museums and libraries work together to transform the lives of individuals and communities. To learn more, visit http://www.imls.gov and follow IMLS on Facebook and Twitter.