418: Community Development the Keystone to Public Libraries’ Relevance - Bill Irwin

This provoking session presented the position that public library relevance has nothing to do with Chapters and Google. Instead, according to Irwin, the key to public library relevance is community development.

Community development does not equal outreach (although that is a facet of the concept) rather it is a process of engagement and empowerment via social inclusion i.e. enabling all community members to influence the decisions that affect their lives in meaningful ways. There are many reasons to embrace community development stemming from societal changes such as the resurgence of newcomers and increasing urbanization. Such factors are resulting in greater alienation and disconnectedness within society.

Libraries have the potential for tremendous influence because they are readily accessible organizations that can directly empower the community. To do so there needs to be greater engagement with the community – via relationship development - and a supportive work environment that’s open to new ideas that may not come to fruition overnight. As we all know, it takes time to build meaningful relationships therefore community development initiatives take time to grow and flourish.

Irwin closed with an emphasis that real change requires a real purpose, not a repackaging resulting from fear. Although many of the concepts were theoretical in nature, it was refreshing to hear a different perspective on the future role and relevance of public libraries.

The session ended with audience members describing examples of community development, some of which I hope to find the time to research as potential community development initiatives for MPL.