Library Community Network (LCN) is a plan that places the public library at the center of an effort to network and promote nonprofit resources that serve the local community.
[spacer height=”-15px”]The LCN plan begins with a library creating a directory listing of nonprofit organizations, and proceeds by taking actions to encourage collaboration and community involvement. A functioning demonstration directory can be viewed here: Peekskill Library Community Network. The directory is only a starting point – there is more to the process of a library community network.
[spacer height=”-15px”]Why libraries and nonprofits?
[spacer height=”-15px”]Libraries are valued for their skill in information gathering and dissemination, and organizations are valued for the content and services they provide: both are valued for the active concern they have for local community. Pairing these two is both useful and practical: one for having the potential to make culture and services more visible, and the other for enabling individuals to better satisfy their needs.
[spacer height=”-15px”]Objectives
[spacer height=”-15px”]Do you know any librarians? Community development folks? People involved in promoting sustainable communities? One of the objectives of LCN is to inform public libraries and to encourage the American Library Association and nonprofit associations to support local networking.
[spacer height=”-15px”]LCN is part of a community development project described here: Concerned Connections.
[spacer height=”-15px”]A book describing the full program is available on Amazon.com: Simple, Easy, Practical, Community Development: Managing Risks and Resources.