Redefining Public Library Reach Through New Outreach Service Delivery Models

Abstract

In libraries, outreach is often described as services for those who are infrequent users or non-users, or as services for those who are traditionally underserved. Library outreach strives to provide equitable delivery of library services to all, through the development of programs, services, and policies that make the library available to everyone to engage with public and to offer specific targeted services. The aim of this chapter was to identify the current range and scope of public library outreach service models, including an overview of the development of these models to explore the strengths, weaknesses, costs, benefits, and opportunities of different outreach models that can be used within public libraries.