Community outreach partnerships

Abstract

PurposeCommunity outreach is generally stated to be a strategic combination of resources and talents that will exceed the capabilities of individuals working alone. Describes the Medical University of South Carolina's projects which target largely rural, minority populations.Design/methodology/approachPrograms and partnerships include niche groups and state‐wide populations, with sponsors including government agencies, the Duke Endowment and local cities. Librarians are familiar with and are already successful at reaching out to the community of health professionals; however, reaching out to the lay community is more complex. Academics are used to being in charge and often have a narrow point‐of‐focus. Together with the community an attempt was made to identify difficulties and pitfalls, as well as outcomes that are important for the long term.FindingsAlthough librarians are improving their ability to work in any capacity within community outreach projects, universities and libraries do not naturally support this work. However, for some librarians participation provides an exhilarating experience.Originality/valueThe paper indicates the value of having a librarian as part of the community outreach team. Librarians are often of great value to the team. Very often the work done by the librarian would not have been done at all.