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Exploration and Access

Exploration and Access

Evanston Public Library acknowledges and addresses historical disparities in access to information, technology, and other resources, aiming to create an inclusive and welcoming environment where everyone can benefit from the library's offerings. We commit to ensuring all community members have fair and inclusive opportunities to engage with library services and resources regardless of background or circumstances. We proactively reach out to underserved populations, remove barriers to access, and tailor programs and services to effectively meet diverse needs.

Exploration and Access focuses on services to individuals from birth through adulthood, including collections, programming, community outreach, cultural inclusivity initiatives, marketing, reference and research assistance, as well as technology access to ensure digital inclusion.

Strategic Objectives

  1. Ensure inclusivity and community engagement by incorporating diverse experiences into our programs, services, and interactions to welcome and serve all community members effectively.
  2. Develop a curated collection of materials that serves as both a mirror, reflecting our community's diverse experiences, and a window, offering valuable insight into experiences beyond our own, thereby fostering inclusivity and understanding.
  3. Broaden the library's marketing efforts and enhance public awareness of the extensive resources and services available, maximizing community engagement and utilization.
  4. Utilize current and emerging technologies to dismantle barriers, enabling seamless exploration and enhancing accessibility to the public.
  5. Revitalize service delivery models and expand the library's dedication to reaching individuals where they are, ensuring accessibility and relevance across diverse communities.

2024 Actions

  1. Establish a Library Board of Trustees appointed Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Committee.
  2. Conduct a thorough assessment of the current collection to identify gaps in representation and diversity.
  3. Establish a channel for acquiring diverse materials, including books, digital resources, films, and other media, that reflect the experiences of the community.
  4. Launch initiatives to remove physical barriers to access within library facilities, such as improving signage, updating building layouts, and ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
    • Collaborate with the City of Evanston to advance ADA Accessibility.
    • Ensure ADA compliance on all promotional and marketing materials.
  5. Implement professional training programs for library staff to increase awareness and understanding of diversity and inclusion issues, and implicit bias ensuring they can effectively curate and promote the collection, and library programs and services.
  6. Review and revise all policies through an equity lens.
    • Establish an internal staff policy review team to work with the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Committee on policy review before taking to the Management Committee.
    • Develop a policy review schedule with regular review dates.
  7. Issue a comprehensive marketing plan highlighting essential library resources and services through various channels such as social media, email newsletters, community events, and local partnerships.
  8. Create branded, visually appealing promotional materials showcasing the library's offerings, including flyers, posters, digital signage, and presentations.
  9. Add Find More Illinois access to the library catalog offerings.
  10. Expand free printing and copying to all library customers at both locations.
  11. Determine feedback mechanisms and establish performance metrics to gather input from community members on their experiences with library programs, services, and interactions.
  12. Evaluate the effectiveness of initiatives implemented in previous years through data analysis, community feedback, and performance metrics.

2025 Actions

  1. Optimize the EPL website and catalog to simplify navigation and ensure ease of use, facilitating access to the internet and other technological resources.
  2. Explore Radio Frequency Identification Technology (RFID) migration and associated technology for ease of patron checkout and return of materials.
  3. Launch community outreach initiatives to promote awareness of the curated collection and encourage community members to explore and engage with diverse materials.
  4. Utilize targeted advertising campaigns to reach specific demographics within the community who may benefit from particular library services or resources.
  5. Implement feedback mechanisms and data collection to gather insights from the community about their awareness of library resources and services, allowing for continuous improvement and refinement of marketing strategies.
  6. Regularly evaluate the effectiveness of marketing efforts through metrics such as website traffic, event attendance, and community engagement levels, adjusting strategies as needed to maximize impact.
  7. Train library staff to serve as ambassadors for promoting library resources and services, empowering them with knowledge and tools to communicate the library's value to the community effectively.

2026 Actions

  1. Expand programming efforts to incorporate diverse perspectives and experiences, including author talks, cultural events, workshops, and discussion groups.
  2. Develop partnerships with local schools, colleges, and community organizations to integrate diverse materials and programming into educational initiatives.
  3. Evaluate the effectiveness of initiatives implemented in previous years through data analysis, community feedback, and performance metrics.
  4. Continuously assess and update technology access initiatives to ensure digital inclusion for all community members, including evaluating the effectiveness of training programs and technology resources.
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