Professional Development for Delaware Library Staff: Community Engagement/Outreach/Partners

Library directors and leaders demonstrate the value of the library and its services to the community. They form strategic relationships to increase awareness, maximize impact and communicate the need for ongoing support. Library leaders:

• Demonstrate the impact and value of the library to the community through ongoing evaluation and assessment of library services.

• Build support for the library among a variety of groups, using the most appropriate methods.

• Maintain positive public relations through communication and promotion of the library’s values, services, accomplishments and needs to all stakeholders.

• Build relationships with community organizations.

The Competency Index for the Library Field includes Community Relations on pages 24 & 25.

Community Relations ranked #17 out of 51 self-identified urgent training needs.  It ranked #8 out of 60 topics staff would like training in.  37% (49) of respondents indicated they would like training at the Beginner level, 31% (41) would like training at the Intermediate level, and 32% (42) would like training at the Advanced level.

• As part of Community Relations, 116 respondents indicated they would like training in Partnerships.  38% (44) indicated they would like training at the Beginner level, 34% (40) would like training at the Intermediate level, and 28% (32) would like training at the Advanced level.
• As part of Community Relations, 108 respondents indicated they would like training in Advocacy.  38% (41) indicated they would like training at the Beginner level, 32% (35) would like training at the Intermediate level, and 30% (32) would like training at the Advanced level.

Safety - Provide a safe environment for staff and public, ensuring privacy, confidentiality, and physical well-being.

Courtesy - Treat everyone with kindness and respect.

Knowledge - Be aware of library policies, procedures, and resources.

Efficiency - Provide accurate and timely service with the best use of tangible and intangible resources.

Events Team