2016 Charleston Library Conference

What defines the library - the collections or the services? How do libraries stay relevant and respond to users' needs? Ask any group of users and one can expect an equally diverse response based on the premise of what the need of the moment is. Increasingly, academic and public libraries are creating new service points to help users develop fresh or different skills. As the diversity of communities increase due to immigration, social change, demographic shifts, the role of the library increases, too. The Makerspace and Gaming Studios, technical writing and resume labs, outdoor reading spaces and collaborative work spaces, in addition to the range of public events and exhibitions taking place in libraries expands the scope and reach of both campus and community services. Equally important, these service areas bridge the role libraries have with other academic and civic units and businesses within the community. Being responsive at the time of need is among the challenges libraries face in the planning and execution of new services that build on collection strengths and directions. Digital natives have different needs and expectations of libraries and using social media to increasingly connect with users has seen profound advantages. Many successful marketing and communications strategies and examples that promote libraries and their collections and services will be shared by creative staff from the Rotterdam Public Library and the University of California, Irvine Libraries that will showcase the links between the discovery of collections and services and the diverse communities they serve.