Community Outreach Project
This community outreach project, on creating a library program/service for an underserved group, was completed for LIS 60669: Information Services for Diverse Populations. It connects to PLO Three: Analyze and engage in the changing cultural, educational and social roles and responsibilities of librarians/information professionals and the environments they work in within the global society, as well as PLO Five: Identify needs and connect individuals and communities with information that engages and empowers them. For this assignment, I identified an underserved group in my community, which was low-income individuals and families, and created a library program to help meet their specific needs. The proposed program involved a compilation of resources, such as guides and brochures, with information in plain language for those in need of financial assistance in various areas of life. The program also involved collaboration with several community organizations that provide various services to low-income individuals and families, with monthly information sessions being held at the library with one of these collaborative partners, where they would describe the services they offer in more detail, and attendees would have the opportunity to pose specific questions. This project aligns with the RUSA Guidelines for Behavioral Performance of Reference and Information Service Providers, which says that “To be inclusive, the library worker… Advocates for equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility in reference services,” as well as with the ninth statement in the ALA Code of Ethics, which states, “We affirm the inherent dignity and rights of every person. We work to recognize and dismantle systemic and individual biases; to confront inequity and oppression; to enhance diversity and inclusion; and to advance racial and social justice in our libraries, communities, profession, and associations through awareness, advocacy, education, collaboration, services, and allocation of resources and spaces.”