1. Value of the Public Library
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2. Session Purpose
In this session, we will talk about the unique value that libraries provide to their communities, and the important role and voice of library staff in making that possible.

3. Session Agenda In this session, you will:
Discuss how your library is unique, and what types of community needs the library helps to address.
Compare different ways to think about the true value of the library.
Discuss why it is important to communicate the value of libraries and library staff.
Identify the strengths that you already have that will help you be a powerful voice for your library.

4. Discussion: Connecting Library Services to Community Needs

5. A Unique Role in the Community
Free access to information
Access to digital technology
Services that help people search for jobs and access government resources
Public space to meet and share ideas
Professional staff to support lifelong learning for everyone who seeks it
New skills training and a place to practice them

6. Changing Community, Changing Library
Public libraries adapt when local needs change because of what is happening in the community, the country, or in the world.

7. Discussion: Tracking How Libraries Adapt

8. Services and Outcomes Services Outcomes
Something a library does or provides
The library as a “service provider”
Outcomes
The end result of those services
The library as a “problem solver”

9. Discussion: From Library Services to Community Outcomes

10. Who Else Benefits? Family Friends Customers Employers or Employees
Neighbors and the Community

11. Community Perceptions of the Public Library
Perceptions—what people in your community think or feel about your library
People’s perceptions of the library are shaped by their experiences.
Perceptions are not always based on fact.
Perceptions can affect library support.

12. Discussion: Exploring Local Perceptions of the Public Library

13. The Value of Library Staff
You are a professional serving the needs of your community. Your knowledge, experience, and skills are valuable inside and outside the library.

14. Activity: Drawing Your Job Description

15. Being a Voice for Your Library
Your deep understanding of how the library works and what it can do for the community make you a strong voice to communicate the value of your library to community leaders.

16. Activity: Practice Using Your Voice

17. Closing Reviewing our agenda:
Discuss how your library is unique, and what types of community needs the library helps to address.
Compare different ways to think about the true value of the library.
Discuss why it is important to communicate the value of libraries and library staff.
Identify the strengths that you already have that will help you be a powerful voice for your library.

18. Please fill out your Session Feedback Form.
Evaluation
Please fill out your Session Feedback Form.