Outreach

Or: Who Is Not Being Served?

Outreach consists of library programs and services designed to meet the information needs of users who are unserved or underserved, such as those who are blind or visually impaired, homebound, institutionalized, not fluent in English, illiterate, or marginalized in some other way. Large public libraries often have an outreach librarian who is responsible for providing services to unserved or underserved populations.

Library extension differs from library outreach by providing programs and activities that enable a library to deliver traditional services outside the physical walls of its facilities. This can include bookmobiles, books-by-mail, and direct delivery of library materials to patrons.

Resources

• Outreach Librarian FAQ from the American Library Association (ALA).
• Community Engagement and Outreach resources devoted to helping you increase your community engagement and outreach, including information about the ALA Libraries Transform campaign, outreach strategies, bookmobiles, how to work with community groups, universal access, and much more.
• National Library Outreach Day is held on the Wednesday of National Library Week in April.
• The American Library Association’s Office for Diversity, Literacy, and Outreach Services (ODLOS) supports library and information science workers in creating responsible and inclusive spaces that serve and represent the entire community. To accomplish this, the ODLOS decenters power and privilege by facilitating conversations around access and identity as they impact the profession and those we serve. ODLOS offers resources that include:
  • Initiatives and partnerships promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion in libraries and the library profession
  • Resources, grants, and initiatives supporting lifelong literacy
  • Initiatives and programs geared to promote access to library services to all
  • Strategic planning, trainings, and other continuing education presentations for library audiences
  • Committees, roundtables, interest groups, and affiliate organizations
  • Year-round and conference-based events
• The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which first went into effect in July 1990, guarantees that people with disabilities shall have equal access to employment, public services and accommodations, transportation, and telecommunications services.
  • The American Library Association (ALA) offers advice for implementing the ADA in library services and programs.
  • The U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals has held that the ADA protects access not just to brick-and-mortar public accommodations, but also to the websites and apps of those businesses. For more on web accessibility, take a look at ALA’s Core Webinar: Web Accessibility Beyond Best Intentions.
  • To learn more about how the ADA affects job applicants and employees who are deaf or hard of hearing, visit the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission website.