Inclusive Data Practices: Strengthening connections with rural communities

How can rural libraries better understand and reach the people who aren’t showing up in their data or their programs?

Rural libraries serve communities with deep social, cultural, and economic diversity, but traditional data often tells an incomplete story. Inclusive data practices offer an asset-based approach that helps libraries identify who may be missing from their current data and discover new ways to connect, engage, and build trust.

In this one-hour webinar, a researcher from the University of Washington will introduce the foundations of inclusive data practices and share practical ways rural libraries can begin applying this framework. Library staff from Liberty Public Library (NC) and Sunnyside Library (Yakima Valley Libraries, WA) will highlight real world examples of how they are intentionally building relationships with Spanish-speaking, Latino, and Hispanic communities through thoughtful, community centered strategies.

At the end of this one-hour webinar, participants will:

• Use inclusive data practices to identify groups not reflected in current library data
• Recognize and map key community assets
• Describe at least three effective strategies for engaging rural communities

This webinar will be of interest to: Rural and small library staff; library workers serving Latino communities; and anyone interested in asset-based, community-driven engagement.

This webinar will be recorded and available on the Infopeople webinar archive page within two business days of the live event.

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