What is Library Outreach

Public libraries are regarded as partners in the development process in Africa, yet they bemoan the fact that they are not adequately supported both by their principals in terms of resources and recognition, and by their users in terms of usage levels that justify their existence. This chapter presents a review of literature on the advocacy, outreach and public programming carried out in public libraries. The thesis advanced is that it is through these processes that public libraries can engender the support they require. However, advocacy and public programming can only be effectively carried out where libraries have reached out to communities to provide relevant services that are informed by their context and needs. The themes arising from the review suggest a framework for public libraries that includes five areas, namely, strategy and leadership, partnership and collaboration, community engagement and involvement, assessment and reporting, and equity and social inclusiveness.