Publications

ULC creates a variety of publications that disseminate cutting-edge knowledge and analysis on topics that are critical to the continued transformation of libraries as community change agents and problem solvers. ULC publications are intended to advance knowledge within and beyond the library community.

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ULC Leadership Briefs

Our Leadership Briefs are four-page monographs that offer condensed analysis of critical issues driving library performance today.

Library Leaders Owning Leadership“Library Leaders Owning Leadership”

This Brief identifies five leadership themes and five roles for library executives in the rapidly changing and increasingly complex public library environment. It provides food for thought to encourage and support individual action, increased self-awareness, and ultimately success in leading the continued transformation of libraries.

 

Library Priority Community-Civic Engagement“Library Priority: Community-Civic Engagement”

How do you move libraries from supporting players to valued leaders in today’s civic engagement space? This Brief identifies five leadership roles to help libraries broaden their impact as the go-to resource for building a culture of enlightened, engaged, and empowered citizens.

 

Five Leadership Roles for Library Trustees“Five Leadership Roles for Library Trustees”

This Brief advances the role of trustees as visionaries, connectors, fundraisers, a voice for the library and strong team players in elevating and positioning the library in its community.

 
 

 
 

ULC Reports

ULC also publishes full-length reports that offer more in-depth knowledge and analysis.

Stepping Up to the Civic Engagement ChallengeCivic Engagement: Stepping Up to the Civic Engagement Challenge

This report makes the case for public libraries as ideal civic engagement leaders. Based on current research, in-depth interviews and discussion highlights from ULC’s 2011 Partners for Success convening, Stepping Up to the Civic Engagement Challenge is intended for a wide and varied audience of library, local government, business, civic and philanthropic leaders looking for sound ideas and effective strategies to advance the promise of citizens working together.

Partners for the Future Public Libraries and Local Governments Creating Sustainable CommunitiesPartners for the Future: Public Libraries & Local Government Creating Sustainable Futures

This report details how a strategic and successful relationship between the public library and local government can be formed in order to accomplish sustainability for a community. The report focuses on the “triple bottom line” of sustainable development: economic prosperity, environmental quality and social equity, providing numerous examples of high-impact partnerships in specific communities.

Making Cities StrongerMaking Cities Stronger: Public Library Contributions to Local Economic Development

This report examines how public libraries contribute to people, technology and the quality of life. Funding for this report was provided by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation.

 

The Engaged LibraryThe Engaged Library: Chicago Stories of Community

This report highlights several Chicago public libraries and their efforts in strengthening the community and effectively enhancing the well-being and capacities of urban neighborhood residents, associations, non-profits and public institutions.

 

Public Libraries Duild the Global VillagePublic Libraries Build the Global Village

This report provides examples of ULC member libraries transitioning immigrants into American life by welcoming, support and integrating these new residents from all over the world.

 

 

Toolkit for Public Libraries Build the Global VillageToolkit for Public Libraries Build the Global Village

This Toolkit, a companion to Public Libraries Build the Global Village offers exercises your staff, board and community groups can use to address and welcome the new citizens of your community and our nation. Within the workbook, ULC also provides a CD that offers additional programs and civic engagement strategies for your team to use.