Description: Scholarship in the field of library studies has asserted the role of public libraries in community building and community resilience (Hancks, 2012; Scott, 2011; Varheim, 2017; Veil & Bishop, 2014). The International Federation of Library Associations (2014) declared libraries as key partners in promoting UN Sustainable Development Goals. However, community development scholars have limited the examination of libraries to their role as third places. Applying the community capitals framework to the analysis of interviews with public librarians in both urban and rural settings, we find evidence that libraries can be impactful partners in collaborative community development initiatives.
Relation to theme: The presentation relates to the conference theme in several ways. First, it provides evidence of people-driven solutions, presenting libraries and their staff as key community partners in collaborative community development initiatives. As noted by Eric Olin Wright (2013), libraries “increase equality in access to the material conditions necessary to live a flourishing life (p. 10). Libraries are inherently inclusive and provide access to information to “empower diverse voices and talents.” As key community institutions, the presentation also highlights place-based collaboration that includes local libraries as important collaborators. We will offer several examples of how communities collaborate to address common challenges, featuring libraries as partner organizations that provide equitable access to community development projects.
