Outside the Lines: Libraries Reintroduced
Anythink, Colo.
Innovation Synopsis
Outside the Lines: Libraries Reintroduced was a weeklong celebration demonstrating the profound impacts libraries have on their communities. Initiated by Colorado library directors looking to help define libraries in the 21st century, Outside the Lines provided a mechanism to engage communities in a whole new way.
Challenge/Opportunity
Outside the Lines was created as a way to demonstrate how libraries connect with the communities they serve. Participating organizations agreed to host one event or campaign that follows seven criteria, including showcasing the library out in the community as well as in the library; designing an event/campaign that represents their local community and reintroduces the library in unexpected ways; and highlighting how the library is relevant to people’s lives. By reintroducing libraries to communities via this type of creative outreach, the goal was to help people understand how libraries are dynamic centers for engagement while helping libraries market themselves in new and exciting ways. This grassroots effort provided an event that any library can opt in to at their comfort level.
Key Elements of Innovation
This initiative was formed through a collaboration of passionate Colorado library staff who saw a need to do something bold to shift perceptions of libraries. Outside the Lines was designed to be simple and scalable for any type of library, something that can be tailored to each unique community. The OTL team provided the framework via dates, talking points/graphics and inspiration. The libraries were then responsible for putting their campaigns into action. The bold, unified effort and consistent messaging generated significant media coverage nationwide and a successful #getOTL social campaign.
Achieved Outcomes
The original goal was to have 20 Colorado libraries participate in Outside the Lines. In 2014, 178 libraries from 39 states and three Canadian provinces participated. In the post-OTL survey, 96 percent of respondents believed OTL helped their community understand how libraries have changed; 100 percent indicated that OTL helped them engage their communities in new ways; and 100 percent noted that OTL help them share their library’s story in new ways. OTL was featured on NPR and PBS, as well as in community publications nationwide. For 2015, the goal is to expand participation by working with state libraries to spread the word to their members, provide more opportunities for sharing ideas, and facilitate collaborations between neighboring libraries - all lessons learned from 2014.
