An ecological model of outreach: - PowerPoint Presentation

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An ecological model of outreach: Examining library programs, services and partnerships using Bronfenbrenner’s ecological model

J. Elizabeth MillsDr. Kathleen Campana Dr. Michelle H. Martin

LIDA, June 14, 2018,

Zadar

, Croatia

OverviewIntroductionTheoretical frameworkResearch questionsMethodology

Results DiscussionReferences

IntroductionFree in-library programs support learning for children and families (Campana, 2018).Public library has been recognized as an important resource to support families in underserved communities (

Neuman & Celano, 2012).Public libraries may not be reaching families who likely need support most of all (Neuman & Celano, 2012; Prendergast, 2011).These families miss important, free resources that could help them support their children’s learning and development.

Theoretical frameworkBronfenbrenner’s Ecological Model of Human Development (1994)

Macrosystem

Exosystem

Mesosystem

Microsystem

Child

Library spaces

Research questionsRQ1: What types of programs are public libraries offering outside of the library walls to reach children and families in underserved communities?

RQ2: What challenges or obstacles do public libraries face with developing and delivering programs outside of library walls to reach children and families in underserved communities? What barriers do librarians see for children and families in underserved communities that prevent them from coming into the library for programs?RQ3: How, if at all, are public libraries partnering with community organizations with children and families in underserved communities?

MethodologyThe study included three stages of data collection:Stage 1: Researchers conducted focus groups at the American Library Association (ALA) Annual Conference in 2017, with an average attendance in each group of 4 to 6 people.

Stage 2: Researchers conducted in-depth, open-ended interviews with library staff and administrators.Stage 3: Researchers designed a survey based on data gathered in the focus groups and interviews and disseminated the survey in May 2018. Data are currently being analyzed.ParticipantsStages 1 and 2: 37 library staff and administrators from 17 states, representing a variety of large, medium, and small; urban, suburban, and rural public libraries; Stage 3

: 120 respondents from at least 16 states.

Research resultsPublic libraries are offering several types of outreach programs in the community, such as: in-daycare storytimes,summer reading programs at summer meal sites,

literacy programs in low-income housing developments,school-based tutoring programs,reading programs in migrant farm camps, anda STEM-based program in a local barbershop. RQ1: Types of programs

Research results, cont.

RQ1:

Defining

underserved communities

Research results, cont.

Primary underserved communities identified by respondents:People with low SESPeople lacking transportationPeople with limited access to the library

People for whom English is a second language

Children in districts with low rates of grade-level reading

Minoritized communities

RQ1: Types of underserved communities

Research results, cont.

70% of respondents are offering programs outside in the community to meet the needs of some of these identified communities; 20% for all communities identified; 9% not at this time.How have they learned of the needs of these communities?86% conversation with community partners or community members50% reference school statistics, census, and previous program data

22-28% survey and community tour

RQ1: Community needs

RQ2: Challenges faced by librarians offering outreach

Research results, cont.

Research results cont.

Barriers for families who are not coming into library:91% lack of awareness of programs and services libraries offer90% transportation54% paying off existing fines44% language and culture

40% fear of government institutions

34% incurring fines

22% library hours

RQ2: Barriers faced by families for coming into the library

RQ3: Constellation of community partners working with libraries in community outreach

Discussion

Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Model demonstrates how public libraries are transforming their engagement with children and families in underserved communities. Depending on their role in the partnership and delivery of the program, public libraries are transitioning to either the microsystem or the mesosystem.

Macrosystem

Exosystem

Mesosystem

Microsystem

Child

Public Libraries Leadership Role

Community spaces

Public libraries

staff and resources

Public Libraries Supporting Role

ConclusionPublic libraries are transforming their approach to engaging children and families in underserved communities by going outside of their walls and meeting families where they are with a variety of learning-based and family-focused programs.

Public libraries are shifting their roles to have a more direct impact with these families.Public libraries are further establishing themselves as important and relevant informal learning environments for all families, including those who can come into the library and those who cannot.The library profession can employ to reach families who are not utilizing the library.

ReferencesBronfenbrenner, U.

(1993). “Ecological models of human development. In International Encyclopedia of Education, Vol.3, 2nd. Ed. Oxford: Elsevier. Reprinted in: Gauvain, M. & Cole, M. (Eds.), Readings on the development of children, 2nd Ed

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storytime

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AcknowledgementsThis project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Authors would like to thank the library staff and administrators for participating in the focus groups and interviews and sharing their expertise and practices in library outreach to underserved communities.