Coordinating Diverse Public Programs in the Library
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.7710/1093-7374.1835Keywords:
library, library marketing, library communications, library marketing and communications, conference, marketing, communications, Oregon, Oregon libraries, introduction, academic library, libraries, librarians, northwest, information science, information literacy, social media, writing, library trends, books, donors, library donors, donor relationships, library funding, Oregon library association, quarterly, Oregon library association quarterly, American library association, ala, ola, reading, library success, success, library marketing department, evolving roles, new discipline, changes in libraries, career, careers, library careers, library career, new department, University of Oregon, social media campaign, #uostudyspot, facebook, twitter, Eugene Oregon, pacific northwest library association, public space, state ofblack Oregon 2015 report, state of black Oregon, public spaces, urban league of Portland, national urban league, African American, regional communities, gratis spaceAbstract
In spring of 2015, the University of Oregon Libraries (UO Libraries) co-sponsored a release event for the Urban League of Portland’s State of Black Oregon 2015 Report to increase campus diversity initiatives and community engagement. The event inspired collaboration across the campus and state to bring together multiple university and community partners, including UO Libraries, the University of Oregon’s Planning, Public Policy, and Management Program (PPPM), and the Urban League of Portland (ULPDX). Collaborations between libraries, nonprofit organizations, and other stakeholders highlight one aspect of the central role libraries serve as connectors in the local and regional communities. By co-sponsoring this event, UO Libraries furthered the University of Oregon’s educational mission to promote public scholarship and civic engagement, support community development, and increase diversity through meaningful and thoughtful programs. This article will detail how this partnership materialized, from buy-in to execution, as well as recommendations for libraries interested in coordinating with local community-centered nonprofit organizations to develop opportunities for diverse public programs throughout Oregon.