Reflections on Engaging Libraries Participation in Engaging Libraries provided public libraries with external funding and the permission and oppor- tunity to try new, creative and innovative activities. The programme demonstrated that, as safe spaces at the heart of their communities with skilled, trusted staff, public libraries are well suited to act as a space for discussion and debate about tricky subjects which can be taboo or difficult to talk about. The requirement to work in partnership also led to librar- ies making unusual friends with new partners, and some of these partnerships have led to additional projects in library services. The public engagement element of the programme pushed boundaries – with staff acquiring new knowledge and skills; diverse activities being programmed; and a focus on two-way participation.
Partnerships
Engaging Libraries required libraries to deliver their activities in partnership with a person or organisation from outside the sector. A broad range of partnerships were formed across the 14 projects, from academics and artists to youth groups and residential homes, and many library services involved new partners in their projects. Key reflections from the programme were:
l when approaching prospective partners, have a strong elevator pitch for the project and the benefits of working with a public library
l be clear and confident in the “ask” of the partner
l define the roles of the library and the partner, and expectations of one another, at the outset
l seek to understand and work through any differences in ways of working or delivering.
New skills, knowledge and approaches
Engaging Libraries enabled staff to in- crease their knowledge, undertake training and learn new skills. Training was offered by the Wellcome Trust, and provided by some partners or councils, with staff encouraged to share learning within their library service. Key reflections from the programme were:
l seek opportunities to learn from part- ners through training, and remain open to other training opportunities that may be available
l support the activity to become sustain- able, by sharing project staff skills and knowledge with others within the library service
l seek strong support and buy-in from senior managers for the project and for staff training opportunities.
The benefits of a network As part of the Engaging Libraries pro- gramme, project staff were part of an online network and attended face-to-face events, providing a forum to share ideas, experiences, problems and solutions. This helped to foster a sense of project staff being part of a wider network of people going through a similar experience. Key reflections from the programme were:
l connect with others who are doing or have done similar work to share learning and best practice
l make use of library service networks, such as regional networks, to build rela- tionships and make connections.
Where next?
We are delighted to announce that we are currently developing a second – distinct – phase to Engaging Libraries and that the Wolfson Foundation has joined the
April-May 2019
References 1
www.oldham.gov.uk/downloads/file/4931/jack_and_lucy
2
https://publicprogrammes.co.uk/radiotherapy-and-me INFORMATION PROFESSIONAL 39
Carnegie UK Trust and the Wellcome Trust in supporting this work. Phase one of Engaging Libraries was a pi- lot programme, and Phase two of Engaging Libraries will build on the learning from this first phase. The programme scope will expand to support public libraries across the UK to deliver public engagement projects with research in health, culture and society. Following on from this, we are seeking to build on the ambition, excel- lence and potential of public libraries, and foster partnerships between libraries and researchers. Public libraries will be sup- ported with access to funding, structured opportunities for networking and learning, and support with evaluating the impact of their work.
We will publish information about Engaging Libraries phase two on the Carnegie UK Trust website (
www.carnegieuk-
trust.org.uk) – so please watch this space and follow us on Twitter at @CarnegieUKTrust. We look forward to seeing exciting, engaging applications in our next phase! IP
Engaging Libraries
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