Since 2010, DCPL has opened 15 rebuilt or renovated branches across the city. The constant challenge is for the library to engage the public often and in a number of ways to ensure as many people as possible have the opportunity to offer feedback on what services, programs and spaces they would like to see in their new library.

A critical element of the engagement was the launch of the library’s IdeaScale, an online crowdsourcing platform that allows the public to provide input and feedback on what programs, services and spaces they would like to see in the newly renovated library and vote on the public’s ideas. IdeaScale launched in October 2013. To date, there have been more than 1,600 who have viewed, posted comments or voted. There have been 110 ideas posted, 308 comments on these ideas and 3,121 votes. The Library or a user can pose a question on IdeaScale to generate discussion. For example, one of the most popular questions the library asked is “Would you like to have a café in the library?” The public also voted on their preferred architect team during the design competition. To keep it fresh, library staff posted new questions/statements/content on IdeaScale every week or every two weeks. IdeaScale has provided another opportunity for the library to engage patrons and the public in the design of their new or renovated library in an online portal that encourages community conversation. Additionally, DCPL has conducted focus groups, administrated surveys, held community meetings and forums and online chats. Community engagement for the renovation of the central library will continue for several years throughout the design and construction process

IdeaScale coupled with other community engagement activities have allowed the library to connect with more than 2,000 people, the most we’ve connected with on any capital project. While community engagement continues, we anticipate reaching thousands more and providing a chance for the public to converse about their new library throughout the design and construction process. Additionally, we will use the online crowdsourcing for this project as a model for more and different community engagement in the future. We will explore using IdeaScale to gather opinions from the public on programs and services offered at the library.