Young Adult Outreach: An Examination of Outreach Attempts at Branch Libraries in a Large Urban Public Library System

Abstract

Although outreach is a stated or implied goal of nearly all library systems, there is no universal definition of what constitutes outreach and how to evaluate its success. A survey of institutional guidelines and scholarly work reveals a range of ideas and some discussion of the concept, but ultimately raises more questions than answers. However, one study of a single public library system provides a glimmer of insight. Focusing on outreach to organizations serving young adults (13 to 18-year-olds), the study articulates possible directions for further research on this vital issue.

KEYWORDS:

• library outreach
• defining outreach
• outreach literature
• outreach training
• program measurement
• service planning
• young adults

Acknowledgment

The author thanks Dr. Anthony Bernier, Associate Professor at San Jose State University’s School of Information, for his guidance with this project.