Virtual Learning

Community First: An Engagement-Centric Model for 21st Century Public Libraries

Learn ways to refocus library service design to embrace and anticipate community needs, and effectively promote engagement.

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Learn ways to refocus library service design to embrace and anticipate community needs, and effectively promote engagement. The Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) in Maryland is three years into implementing an engagement-centric service model for realizing social impact. CEO Roberta Phillips and COO for Communication Nicholas Brown discuss how the PGCMLS community–inclusive of staff, Board of Library Trustees, PGCMLS Foundation, and customers–has strengthened the collective effort to advance the community in five strategic focus areas: inclusion, literacy and learning, personal achievement, creativity, and healthy living. This interactive session focuses on PGCMLS’ digital equity work as a case study for how the community first model can be adapted for all public libraries, regardless of size and budget.