Community Engagement: Building Connections with Technology

• Do you want to engage with your community in meaningful ways?
• Would you like to realize your power as a storyteller and community shifter?
• Are you interested in using technology to connect using innovative methods?

With ever-increasing numbers of people going online for news and information, libraries have opportunities to reach and connect with their communities. Using readily accessible equipment such as a smart phone and free or low-cost software, libraries can develop powerful connections with their community by facilitating the sharing of community stories. For example, you could record and upload videos featuring local businesses, organizations, and community members. Interview individuals in an ongoing podcast series. Virtually share library events with a wider audience. The skills developed in this course will help you build stronger community relationships, which can lead to meaningful conversations and partnerships.

Course Description: Through a combination of readings, an online meeting, examples, independent assignments, and online discussions, you will learn to create and upload videos, podcasts, and live event broadcasts. In addition, you will create a systematic plan for using technology for engagement in your community.

Course Outline: When you log in to the Infopeople online learning site, you will see weekly modules with these topics:

• Week 1: Creating Videos
  • Why using technology for community engagement is beneficial
  • How to create and share videos
  • Equipment and software recommendations
  • Software tutorials with links for downloading and getting started
  • Hands-on practice creating videos
• Week 2: Creating Podcasts
  • How to create and share podcasts
  • Equipment and software recommendations
  • Software tutorials with links for downloading and getting started
  • Hands-on practice creating podcasts
• Week 3: Livestreaming Events
  • Introduction to different livestreaming platforms (specifically Facebook Live, YouTube Live and Periscope)
  • Equipment and software recommendations
  • Software tutorials with links for downloading and getting started
  • Hands-on practice sharing livestreams
• Week 4: Putting It All Together
  • Create an action plan for using technology for community engagement
  • Incorporate community engagement into your library’s social media plans and activities
  • Create a story bank for future ideas
  • Marketing recommendations

Pre-course Assignment: None.

Time Required: To complete this course, you can expect to spend 2 ½ hours per week, for a total of ten course hours. Each week's module contains an online meeting, readings, and various options for assignments and discussions. You can choose the options most relevant to your work and interests. Although you can work on each module at your own pace, at any hour of the day or night, it is recommended that you complete each week's work within that week to stay in sync with other learners.

Who Should Take This Course: Library staff who are interested in creating greater connection and engagement with their community. This course may be particularly useful for those involved with marketing/publicity or outreach.

Online Learning Details and System Requirements may be found at: infopeople.org/training/online_learning_details.

After the official end date for the course, the instructor will be available for limited consultation and support for two more weeks, and the course material will stay up for an additional two weeks after that. These extra weeks give those who have fallen behind time to work independently to complete the course.

Keywords: community engagement, marketing and publicity, outreach