Lyrasis Releases 2023 Research Report: “Building Connections: Community Inclusion Trends in Cultural Institutions”

From an Introductory Blog Post:

Building Connections: Community Engagement and Inclusion Trends in Cultural Institutions, the 2023 Lyrasis Research Report, explores the work of libraries, archives and museums to continue their outreach efforts and expand community inclusion during and after the initial wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lyrasis Consulting staff members Tom Clareson and Leigh Grinstead worked with market research consultants from Puro Research in late spring 2023 to conduct primary and secondary research on community inclusion trends. Steps included:

• A literature review from the library, archives, museum and historical society communities, conducted by Puro Research staff, to understand the latest developments in community outreach, inclusion, involvement and engagement.
• A series of focus groups/listening sessions with thought leaders from cultural organizations to hear detailed information on their work within their communities.
• A survey project across cultural institution types to verify and quantify trends from the literature review and focus groups.

Highlights and trends from these research efforts include:

• Cultural associations and individual organizations are strengthening their focus on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA) issues, including addressing DEIA in policies, standards, accreditation and programming and making DEIA central in conference themes.
• At libraries, archives and museums, there is a renewed local focus in programming, celebrating area residents and addressing older populations.
• Libraries, archives and museums are celebrating more immersive and interactive user experiences and making modifications of physical spaces to make them more accessible and inclusive.
• Cultural organizations face continuing concerns but are resolved to offer inclusive customer service despite political divisiveness across the country.

Read the Complete Blog Post (Includes More Highlights and Trends)

Direct to Full Text Report: Building Connections: Community Engagement and Inclusion Trends in Cultural Institution
32 pages; PDF.
Authors: Thomas F. R. Clareson and Leigh A. Grinstead
DOI: 10.48609/YKYD-W448

Filed under: Archives and Special Collections, Associations and Organizations, Libraries, News