Library leaders got the conversation started in their small, rural community on the historical and cultural importance of local indigenous populations. Details of one small community college’s experience developing engaging community conversations and building special collections will be shared in this poster presentation.
As a recipient of a national library grant, this library hosted engaging community conversation events to educate and raise local awareness to the college and local community on the significant impact of local indigenous groups. To support these conversations and future scholarship opportunities, the library built a new special collection focused on research, scholarship, and narratives about these groups of indigenous peoples. These events and the special collection development were achieved by detailed project planning, strategic marketing, building community partnerships, and leveraging existing resources. As a result, this catalyst event is transforming a community and serving as a springboard to keep the conversation going.
After attending this poster session, attendees will be able to identify innovative ways to introduce and engage the students, staff, and community in relevant historical and cultural conversations; utilize new and existing resources to develop a relevant collection that is accessible to students, staff, and community members; and organize events that introduce diverse topics to students and staff, build community partnerships, and stimulate conversation and discussion.