Serving communities: A framework for inclusion-centered library leadership development
The Serving Communities suite of tools, developed by Cornerstones of Science, allow library directors to discover, reflect, and act upon critical inclusion-centered leadership skills and competencies. The tools include a framework, glossary, and self-paced modules.
The five self-paced modules, are directly based on the four dimensions outlined in the Framework. These modules are designed to enhance inclusion-centered leadership skills, attitudes, and practices for engaging adults in the co-development of actionable science resources, supports, and services that the community wants and needs, particularly underserved community members. The Framework and curriculum are freely available here as well as on the Cornerstones of Science website.
The Serving Communities Framework and curriculum include:
| Serving Communities: A Framework for Inclusion-centered Library Leadership Development | Designed for library directors to:
|
|---|---|
| Serving Communities: A Glossary for an Inclusive Library | A guide for library directors to:
|
Serving Communities: Three Stories: Inclusion-centered Leadership in Action |
Highlights the leadership lessons learned and the reflections of three senior library leaders and their key partners in their work as they strive to create sustainable inclusion-centered libraries. |
Option 1: Table format, no color options
There are also five, self-guided modules, each with three themes and activities
| Module | Themes and activities |
|---|---|
| Dimension I: Personal Inclusion-centered Leadership Practices |
|
| Dimension II: Inclusion-centered Leadership Practices in Library Organizational Culture |
|
| Dimension III: Inclusion-centered Leadership Practices in Building Community Partnerships |
|
| Dimension IV: Inclusion-centered Leadership Practices in Community Member Experiences |
|
| Creating a Shared Language: A Glossary for an Inclusive Library Companion Module |
|
Option 2: "card" format
There are also five, self-guided modules, each with three themes and activities
Dimension I: Personal Inclusion-centered Leadership Practices
- Reflective practice
- Intersectionality
- Where do library directors have and use their sphere of influence.
Dimension II: Inclusion-centered Leadership Practices in Library Organizational Culture
- How do library priorities demonstrate values of equity and inclusion
- Exploring how the budget is part of the library's inclusion-centered values statement
- Library goal-setting and action planning for an inclusion-centered library.
Dimension III: Inclusion-centered Leadership Practices in Building Community
- Assess library director's personal community partnership attitudes and practices
- Deepen library relationships with local government agencies
- Develop and sustain actionable science community partnerships that meet the needs of underserved adult learners
Dimension IV: Inclusion-centered Leadership Practices in Community Member Experiences
- Understanding library director actions to ensure sustainability of access and the contributions of underserved community members in actionable science information programs and services
- Knowing community member needs when determining actionable science issues
- Understanding and aligning actionable science programs and services for adult learners with exiting library offerings
Creating a Shared Language: A Glossary for an Inclusive Library Companion Module
- Re-think works of convenience and buzzwords used in the library profession
- Create a shared language with staff, partners and community members
- Understand the importance of getting comfortable with uncomfortable conversations
Learn more
Read about the origins of the Serving Communities framework and curriculum, and how they can support inclusion-centered leadership that engages adults in actionable science.