Embedded Files
For Libraries bringing their communities together—one spark of connection at a time.
Welcome to your comprehensive resource for bringing One Small Step (OSS) to your library community. The OSS Libraries Resource Center aims to provide everything you need to foster meaningful connection in your space, from foundational concepts to flexible, ready-to-implement programs and resources for any library's capacity or budget. Community well-being and civic engagement are at the center of this work.
Click here to start with our planning worksheet. Or, check out our case studies!
ONE SMALL STEP helps people learn, practice, and model essential skills for human connection in order to foster a culture where open understanding thrives.
Using the One Small Step framework, people with different backgrounds and points of view can recognize each other's humanity and build fundamental personal skills. Our programming is designed to make it easier for people to talk to and understand their neighbors, even ones that they might not agree with. Meaningful interactions and experiences across difference helps build understanding and respect among community members.
Fueled by StoryCorps' 20 years of human connection experience, we help libraries embed our proven methodology into their library spaces, helping community members get to know each other's beliefs through their stories and create a more curious and interconnected world. The power of One Small Step is in community adoption!
What You'll find here:
What You'll find here:
Core Knowledge about One Small Step & Libraries
About One Small Step: Learn about the initiative's mission, impact, and approach to fostering meaningful interactions across differences
Libraries Program Overview: See how OSS fits uniquely into library spaces
The Research: Understand the social science that makes OSS effective and findings from scholars of OSS.
Featured Conversations: Get familiar with One Small Step by listening to conversations.
Planning Guide: A worksheet to get you started.
Implementation Resources
Program Toolkit Collection: Ten scalable programs, from passive displays to active workshops with guides, materials, and tips for marketing.
Toolbox: Resources for program facilitation and execution in the form of links and downloads.
Success Stories
Case Studies: Real examples from many libraries and other community spaces with tips & insights from experienced implementers of OSS in their communities.
OSS in the Press: One Small Step features in the press from all over the country.
Outreach Tools
Marketing Guide: Strategies for promoting your programs
Outreach and Recruitment Guide: Tips for building participation from real OSS practitioners
Additional Support
External Resources: Complementary programs, partnerships, reading, and more support from practitioners like you.
Getting Started:
Getting Started:
Explore the Basics
Explore the Basics
Familiarize yourself with One Small Step. Start by reviewing the One Small Step overview to understand the program's mission and approach. Visit TakeOneSmallStep.org and listen to the many featured conversations there. Take time to learn about the specific Libraries initiative and our adaptable programming options.
Plan Your Approach
Plan Your Approach
Before selecting activities, carefully inventory your community's unique needs and interests using the planning worksheet to identify the best entry points.
Assess your library's available resources including staff time, space, and materials. Select initial programming that aligns with both your capacity and community interests. Create a realistic implementation timeline that allows for adequate preparation and promotion.
Prepare Your Team
Prepare Your Team
Access and share our resources to build confidence among your staff. Review program guides to understand each activity's requirements and flow. Set up your physical or virtual spaces thoughtfully to create welcoming environments for meaningful conversation and connection.
Launch and Grow
Launch and Grow
Start with core programs, gather feedback, and expand thoughtfully. Libraries have implemented One Small Step in many ways—from a single activity to a full series of programs—ranging from simple passive displays to large-scale, interactive events.
Stay Connected
Stay Connected
Subscribe to the One Small Step Newsletter at https://takeonesmallstep.org/.
Follow One Small Step on social media:
Email us your success -- and, success in progress-- stories at learning@storycorps.org
Ready to begin? Explore the full resource and programming collection using the navigation menu.
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