The 10-Minute International Librarian #21: Identify a non-user and think how to engage them

Libraries have a mission to serve their entire communities.

Yet it is rare – if not impossible – to be able to reach everyone. What is important is to try and reach further.

This is because when people are not connected to their library, there is a risk of missed opportunities to improve lives, or to win over supporters for your work.

In both cases – in order to increase impact and strengthen advocacy – it is worth thinking about who these people are, and what can be done to work with them.

So for our 21st 10-Minute International Librarian exercise, identify a non-user and think how to engage them.

A first target will of course be users who could benefit from library services, but are not yet doing so.

Imagine someone in this situation – you can even create a persona – and think about what you could do in order to build awareness. What are the barriers, and what can you do about them?

In other cases, you could think about people who may not come to the library, but could be important supporters.

What can you do to help them understand the importance of the services you are offering?

Let us know in the comments below about your experiences here!

Good luck!

 

This idea relates to the IFLA Strategy! 1.1 Show the power of libraries in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals

You can view all of our ideas using the #10MinuteInternationalLibrarian tag on this blog, and of course on IFLA’s Ideas Store! Do also share your ideas in the comments box.