Practical Library Assessment

A Webinar Series from the NY3Rs Association, Inc.

Community Engagement and Assessment

Susan Currie (Tompkins County Public Library)

This is a "the nuts and bolts of assessment" webinar that describes how one library developed a community engagement process based on data collected, benchmarking, perception surveys; a community based "Blue Ribbon Panel", data visualization, and developed community education materials as well as developed a template for a strategic decision timeline and key stakeholder analysis.

• Identify and utilize a variety of local assessment tools that may be used in conjunction with state and national resources.

• Describe a current and ongoing example of data collection and assessment for a community engagement initiative.

• Provide a template of how to present information gathered to represent and communicate the value and impact of the library to funding sources and the community.

• Understand how to utilize data gathered to develop strategies for going forward.

Currie's professional background includes more than 30 years as a librarian with extensive experience in organizational culture and positive change, the design and implementation of innovative, high quality, user-centered services, collaborative leadership, strategic planning, personnel management, and project management. Named Director of the Tompkins County Public Library in 2009, she brought with her more than two decades of service to Cornell University Library in public services and administration. From 2005 until joining TCPL, she was Associate Director of University Libraries for Binghamton University. Currie is a member of the New York Library Association, ALA's Public Library Association, Library Leadership and Management Association and a member of the Library Information and Technology Association. She has served as a NYLINK representative to the OCLC Global Council, as a member of the New York Online Virtual Electronic Library Steering Committee and most recently served as a member of the national Library Journals Advisory Council. In 2011, she was elected to the Board of the Public Library Section of the New York Library Association and was awarded the Finger Lakes Library System's Library Advocacy award. Locally, Currie serves as a member of numerous community and County Boards including Tompkins Learning Partners, the Tompkins County Bicentennial Commission and the Tompkins County Broadband Committee. She has also served as Cornell Representative on the Board of Trustees for the South Central Regional Library Council and as a member of the SCRLC Finance Committee.