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The Library as a Community Information Center Nancy Bolt Nancy Bolt & Associates
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What is a Community Information Center (CIC)? A CIC Gathers and organizes information about the community Works in collaboration with community groups, organizations, and government Provides information about Community services The local community Local and national government This is a Paradigm Shift
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Nancy Bolt & Associates To Be Successful a CIC Should Relate to the library’s goals Publicize the CIC to government and the community Advocate for the role of libraries in the community Continuously update information and contacts Develop the technical capacity
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Nancy Bolt & Associates Benefits of a CIC For the Community One place to find information they need A neutral place to find information Can find what different parts of government are doing
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Nancy Bolt & Associates For Community Agencies and Government Extends the reach of their services Increases their visibility See information about their services organized and combined with complimentary information Government can make information available in a neutral setting
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Nancy Bolt & Associates For the Library Recognition from the community and government Potential for donations and grants and funding Library is viewed as a critical and vital part of the community Attracts new users Satisfaction of offering a needed service
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Nancy Bolt & Associates Difference between a CIC and Reference Intention vs. Reaction Focus on specific type of information vs. answer general questions Focus outside the library vs. inside the library Specific vs. general publicity
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Nancy Bolt & Associates Getting Started Must have commitment of library director – sets the tone Might need approval from governing authority Need 2 or 3 dedicated staff who will commit to the service Staff can come from Web staff Reference staff Staff involved with community Staff who plan library programs Library administrators Staff who do public relations
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Nancy Bolt & Associates Important Skills Needed Strong value of making connections with the community Knowledge of or willing to learn about community services Ability to communicate the value of the library to community and library staff
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Nancy Bolt & Associates Capacity The library should have in place or get: Commitment from the library director and project leaders Buy-in from the rest of staff A library web-site Ability to gather and organize information Computers for the public to use Library staff trained to deliver the service
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Nancy Bolt & Associates What will be the Scope of your Service? CIC tend to provide Human and community information such as finding housing, a job, or health information Information about the local community, such as schools and businesses, or tourist sites Information about local and national government and how to participate in government, such as publication of minutes of meetings, and services offered
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Nancy Bolt & Associates Sources of Information Internet Staff brainstorming Community brainstorming Local authorities
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Nancy Bolt & Associates Gathering Information Name Contact Services Fees Haves Eligibility Limitations
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Nancy Bolt & Associates Organizing and Accessing Information On web-site In print By subject Search function
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Nancy Bolt & Associates Publicizing the Service To agencies To government To businesses To community agencies and grants To the press and media
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Nancy Bolt & Associates Examples
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