Investing in Communities: a review of recently funded IMLS projects
“Great libraries build communities.” - Lankes
In my earlier post, I highlighted how IMLS is investing in AI projects —a timely topic for many of us. We see the immense potential of this technology, yet we are still figuring out how to integrate it into our practices. As I was reading through the 80+ funded IMLS projects, another theme stood out: the scope and scale of communities being served. Libraries are not only adopting new technologies; we are also deeply committed to addressing the diverse needs of our communities.
It’s inspiring to see the incredible range of work—providing and designing resources, building programs and partnerships, and offering spaces for growth and learning. From supporting marginalized groups to fostering creativity and resilience, these projects demonstrate the vital role libraries play in building stronger communities. Congratulations to everyone involved in these transformative efforts.
Here is a quick overview of what stood out to me:
Libraries are making significant strides in supporting Indigenous communities through projects like the Association of Tribal Archives, Libraries, and Museums (ATALM). ATALM’s initiatives provide culturally relevant training for staff in indigenous archives, libraries, and museums. These programs, which have been running for 13 years, include hands-on workshops, site visits, and discussion forums, empowering indigenous staff to enhance their professional skills and better serve their communities.
The LGBTQIA+ community is also receiving vital support from libraries. The University of South Carolina’s School of Information Science is creating a centralized online LGBTQIA+ consumer health information guide. This project addresses the barriers LGBTQIA+ individuals face in accessing crucial health information and aims to offer safe spaces within libraries. Similarly, the University of Tennessee, University of Missouri, and Dominican Universityare working to improve library cataloging metadata to better serve LGBTQIA+ users, ensuring that library systems are inclusive and reflective of diverse identities.
For the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community, Old Dominion University is addressing accessibility needs in academic libraries. By developing an innovative website for accessibility resources, this project aims to improve the daily interactions and services provided to d/Deaf and hard of hearing patrons. This effort includes multiple case studies and the creation of a community of practice for sharing best practices. Check out the work of Kevin Mallary.
Libraries are also tackling social issues by integrating social workers into their environments. The Florida State University’s School of Information is researching the roles and impact of social workers in public libraries. By understanding the social needs met by these professionals, this project aims to better address the challenges faced by library users and enhance the efficacy of social workers in public libraries.
Immigrant communities are receiving enhanced support through initiatives like those of the Califa Group in partnership with California Humanities. They are expanding the Library Innovation Lab to support the lifelong learning needs of immigrant communities through co-design activities.
The University of North Texas College of Information is improving public library services for immigrants in times of crisis, focusing on resilience and well-being.
The Califa Group is also addressing the needs of rural communities. Their project focuses on co-creating a training program with rural library workers to determine gaps in existing public datasets, identify missing voices, and devise strategies to address these gaps. This initiative will deliver a free on-demand online training course to equip rural library workers with the skills and tools necessary to facilitate inclusive data practices.
Access to legal information for incarcerated individuals is another critical area of focus. Ithaka S+R is examining national access to legal information for incarcerated people, aiming to improve service models for law librarianship. This project seeks to ensure that incarcerated individuals have equitable access to the legal resources they need.
The South Asian American Digital Archive is addressing diversity gaps by hosting a summit to inspire new library, archives, and museum professionals from the South Asian American community. This initiative strengthens community ties and increases awareness of career paths in the field through panel discussions, mentorship sessions, and community archiving activities.
Supporting students and staff at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) is the goal of Southern University and A&M College. By collaborating with Louisiana HBCUs, this project recruits and supports students and library staff from underrepresented groups, focusing on library science education and retention. The project aims to create a roadmap for replication at other institutions.
Libraries are also expanding their roles in addiction recovery. A collaboration between the University of Missouri, Emporia State University, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and Kansas City Public Library is enhancing libraries’ roles in alcohol and substance use disorder recovery. Through bibliotherapy and peer-to-peer learning circles, this project provides social support and information access to promote positive life changes.
Finally, the National Student Poets Program (NSPP) celebrates leading student poets and promotes literacy and creativity among youth. By organizing poetry workshops, readings, and community outreach events, the NSPP strengthens connections between schools, libraries, and museums, fostering a love for poetry and the arts.
These projects highlight the incredible diversity of library services and the meaningful ways they are supporting different communities. From training programs to health guides, libraries are addressing unique needs, promoting inclusivity, and enhancing access to crucial resources. As libraries continue to evolve, our role as community builders becomes ever more vital as evidenced by this collection of initiatives.
Quick Overview:
Here is the quick outline of these projects and their deliverables:
Association of Tribal Archives, Libraries, and Museums (ATALM)
Abstract:
The Association of Tribal Archives, Libraries, and Museums (ATALM) provides culturally relevant training for staff in indigenous archives, libraries, and museums to improve information services for Native peoples.
Deliverables:
Hands-on workshops for practical training.
Site visits to various archives, libraries, and museums.
Field trips for contextual learning experiences.
Poster presentations for sharing projects and insights.
Discussion forums for dialogue and idea exchange.
108 sessions on case studies, best practices, and topics of interest.
University of South Carolina’s School of Information Science
Abstract:
The University of South Carolina’s School of Information Science is creating a centralized online LGBTQIA+ consumer health information guide to offer safe spaces and crucial health information.
Deliverables:
Creation of an online LGBTQIA+ health information guide.
Partnerships with LGBTQIA+ community leaders, public library workers, and health sciences librarians.
Development of a sustainable and visible online platform.
Compilation of local, regional, and national health resources.
Presentations at state and national conferences.
University of Tennessee, University of Missouri, and Dominican University
Abstract:
The University of Tennessee, University of Missouri, and Dominican University are working on improving library cataloging metadata to better serve LGBTQIA+ users.
Deliverables:
User studies and focus groups with LGBTQIA+ library users.
Development of enhanced library cataloging metadata.
Creation of practical suggestions for librarians to improve services.
Research findings shared through publications and conferences.
Blueprint for future studies involving other marginalized communities.
Abstract:
Old Dominion University is addressing accessibility needs of d/Deaf and hard of hearing (D/HH) patrons in academic libraries by developing an innovative website for accessibility resources.
Deliverables:
Multiple case studies at five institutions.
Interviews with academic librarians, disability services coordinators, and D/HH students.
Development of a website for accessibility resources.
Creation of a community of practice for sharing best practices.
Evidence-based practices for daily interactions with D/HH patrons.
Florida State University’s School of Information
Abstract:
Florida State University’s School of Information is researching the roles and impact of social workers in public libraries to better address the social needs of library users.
Deliverables:
National study on hiring practices of social workers in libraries.
Evaluation of the efficacy of social workers in public libraries.
Development of a framework for library staff and social workers.
Identification of social needs not met by traditional library services.
Dissemination of findings through publications and presentations.
Califa Group in partnership with California Humanities
Abstract:
The Califa Group is enhancing the Library Innovation Lab to support the lifelong learning needs of immigrant communities through co-design activities.
Deliverables:
Further development of the existing program framework.
Recruitment and field testing with a national cohort of libraries.
Pilot partnership with a State Humanities Council.
Publication and dissemination of a DIY program toolkit.
Engagement with immigrant communities in co-design activities.
University of North Texas, College of Information
Abstract:
The University of North Texas is improving public library services for immigrants in times of crisis, focusing on resilience and well-being.
Deliverables:
Research on information needs of immigrants in crisis.
Surveys and user studies to gather data.
Development of an online toolkit for libraries.
Creation of replicable survey instruments.
Dissemination of findings through publications and conferences.
Califa Group (rural)
Abstract:
The Califa Group is addressing the needs of rural communities by enhancing the Library Innovation Lab to support lifelong learning and improve data practices. This project focuses on co-creating a training program with rural library workers to identify gaps in existing public datasets, determine missing voices, and devise strategies to address these gaps.
Deliverables:
Co-creation of a training program with rural library workers.
Identification of gaps in existing public datasets and missing voices.
Strategies to address identified gaps in data practices.
Development and delivery of a free on-demand online training course.
Equipping rural library workers with the skills and tools necessary for inclusive data practices.
Abstract:
Ithaka S+R is examining national access to legal information for incarcerated people and improving service models for law librarianship.
Deliverables:
Investigation of service models for legal information access in prisons.
Comparison of models and identification of best practices.
Development of training resources for law librarians.
Dissemination of findings through reports and presentations.
Recommendations for improving access to legal information for incarcerated individuals.
South Asian American Digital Archive
Abstract:
The South Asian American Digital Archive is hosting a summit to inspire new library, archives, and museum professionals from the South Asian American community to address diversity gaps.
Deliverables:
National summit for South Asian American library, archives, and museum professionals.
Panel discussions, roundtables, and mentorship sessions.
Community archiving activities.
Increased awareness of career paths in the field.
Development of a model for future summits.
Southern University and A&M College.
Abstract:
Southern University and A&M College is collaborating with Louisiana HBCUs to recruit and support students and library staff from underrepresented groups.
Deliverables:
Recruitment and exposure of HBCU undergraduate students to library science education.
Online forums for current library support staff.
Culminating institute and recruitment fair.
Development of best practices and innovative approaches document.
Roadmap for replication at other institutions.
Abstract:
A collaboration between the University of Missouri, Emporia State University, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and Kansas City Public Library is expanding libraries’ roles in alcohol and substance use disorder recovery.
Deliverables:
National forum on addiction recovery and bibliotherapy.
Development of a white paper and toolkit for library programming.
Implementation of peer-to-peer learning circles.
Dissemination of best practices and program models.
Evaluation of program impact and outcomes.
National Student Poets Program (NSPP)
Abstract:
The National Student Poets Program (NSPP) celebrates leading student poets and promotes literacy and creativity among youth. By organizing poetry workshops, readings, and community outreach events, the NSPP strengthens connections between schools, libraries, and museums.
Deliverables:
Organization of poetry workshops and readings.
Community outreach and engagement events.
Production and distribution of an anthology of teen poetry.
Annual chapbook featuring poems about local libraries and museums.
High-quality programming contributions to libraries and museums.
