Strengthening Networks, Sparking Change: Museums and Libraries as Community Catalysts

Abstract

This document brings together the preliminary literature and practice survey with the experiences and vision of those working to spur change in their communities every day. It catalogs how these efforts are initiated and sustained; the tools and methods available to assess community need and evaluate impact; and the skills and competencies required to implement and sustain new efforts successfully. It also uses the concepts of social wellbeing and collective impact to situate museums and libraries as critical sites within broader institutional and interpersonal networks of community resources. These are complementary conceptual frameworks to help museums and libraries contextualize and tailor their efforts to catalyze positive change. Together. The document is divided into the following sections: • The Introduction traces the increasing importance of anchor institutions (typically universities and hospitals) to contextualize the evolving efforts of museums and libraries and the broad content areas in which they are expanding their activities. It also presents the social wellbeing and collective impact frameworks that are referenced throughout the document. • The Continuum of Museum and Library Community Initiatives describes the types of efforts that can improve social wellbeing for residents. This section catalogs key considerations for museums and libraries as they design community-focused efforts. • Understanding Assets and Challenges, and Evaluating Impact summarizes effective methods for assessing community assets, needs, and approaches to evaluating the impact of museum and library efforts to promote the wellbeing of their communities. • Building Capacity to Support and Spark Change reviews the requisite skills and competencies required of community-centered institutions and provides considerations for obtaining them through staff development, hiring practices, or partnership. • The Conclusion summarizes key themes from each section to highlight opportunities for museums and libraries to catalyze change in their communities going forward.

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