In order to move forward, we need Action Steps. Here we will discuss some steps we've taken to help us transition from lost connections to rebuilding connections.

Action Steps

Although we serve different areas through California, we all experienced lost community relationships. Some were already struggling to maintain relationships prior to the pandemic, but lost contact when pandemic hit the state hard.

Below are some ways you can rebuild your community contacts and develop new relationships.

Use an Intentional Approach

Building relationships/connections with intentionality comes into WHO you choose and HOW you choose

• WHO: Using a checklist will generate potential organizations focused on community needs rather than library needs.

• HOW: Intentionality takes time. Begin with one or two relationships/connections and manage them with mindfulness.

• Maintaining: Take time to re-evaluate the relationship/connection after it is established in order to recognize current roles of each organization to one another.

Make use of existing tools

Make use of checklists or assessments with the same or similar scopes to that of your library or institution.

Examples:

Scope/focus: Equity, Diversity, Inclusion

Checklists/assessments:

• GDIB Assessment Checklists - The Centre for Global Inclusion

• The DEI Scorecard for Library and Information Organizations, developed by the ALA Committee on Diversity

You can also make use of data-driven tools.

Examples:

Scope/Focus: Youths

Demographic data sources:

• Center on Enhancing Early Learning Outcomes

• Kids Count

Using existing tools allows library staff to begin research on rebuilding current and future partnerships and relationships with organizations that best serves their communities.

Keep Track of Community Contacts

Like Customer Relationship Management, it's important to keep in contact and maintain a relationship with organizations.

Using a tool like a database or spreadsheet not only simplifies community organization management, but also allows for a more accessible and smoother process during information transferal. It also creates transparency about which community contacts staff within your system have been in touch with.

Community Contacts - Example chart