From Value-Driven Libraries to Vital Communities: Learning Internationally to Define Impact

Abstract

Libraries are a critical lifeline for their communities, providing equitable information access for their users to thrive and a hub for civic and community engagement. The value of libraries may be unknown to some and taken for granted by others. Thus, for libraries to receive funding and continue to serve their community's critical needs, they need to engage in defining their value and measuring their impact. This poster presentation introduces the shift toward measuring a library's social impact and shares examples of better practices and experiences in defining impact by librarians globally. The resources and experiences of defining library value and real world examples of impact assessment are derived from the training and work of the Mortenson Center for International Library Programs https://www.library.illinois.edu/mortenson/ at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Library, such as the 2026 Associates Program on "Poised for Impact: Data, User, Strategy-Driven Libraries".

Participants will be able to walk away with ideas and practical examples from libraries and stakeholders to articulate the value proposition of libraries, which shifts its focus from traditional metrics (e.g., book circulation) to measuring the profound impact libraries have on its users, including social wellbeing, equity, and economic vitality.