This session will explore the key differences between the Traditional, Community Led and Needs Based public library in terms of strategy, structure, systems and culture.
The theoretical differences between these models will be explored using concepts based on Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and Marx’s dictum ‘from each according to their ability, to each according to their needs.’
Participants will be given some evaluation tools to enable them to measure where their public library is on the Traditional – Community Led – Needs Based spectrum.
I will argue that the Needs Based library creates the best opportunity to engage the widest number of people in the community, particularly those with the greatest needs.
This is a rallying call to action, to move beyond historical provider-led, social control models of service delivery and create a dynamic new model in which library services are co-produced by staff and community as agents of social change.
Learning Outcomes
1. to understand the theoretical differences between the Traditional, Community Led and Needs Based public library.
2. to learn how to use evaluation tools for measuring where their public library is on the Traditional – Community Led – Needs Based spectrum.
3. to learn how to turn ideas into practical action for creating the Needs Based public library.
