This document provides an agenda and discussion points for a session on creating participatory learning experiences in libraries. It discusses defining participatory culture, measuring impact through modified surveys and staff observations, and putting together a planning framework. An activity prompts participants to brainstorm solutions to making library areas more participatory by starting questions with "How might we...". The document emphasizes iterative design and embracing diverse ideas to create new opportunities for active participation in libraries.

1. Patron-Driven Programming
Creating a Culture of Participatory Learning in Libraries

2. Agenda - Session 2
● Recap of defining and designing participatory programs and experiences
● Measuring and analyzing impact
● Putting it all together
● Sharing out
● Questions and Final Thoughts

3. Recap

4. What is participatory culture?

5. “The best participatory projects create new
value for the institution, participants, and
non-participating audience members.”
Nina Simon, The Participatory Museum

6. Source: Getting In On the Act How arts groups are creating opportunities for active participation
Alan S. Brown and Jennifer L. Novak-Leonard, in partnership with Shelly Gilbride, Ph.D.

9. Share Definitions
of Participatory
Learning

10. Shared Definitions of Participatory Learning
● Thank you for sharing your definitions
● http://bit.ly/2AISwKr

11. Measuring Impact

12. Modifying Measurement Tools
● Participatory programming and
events are more about engagement
and the user experiences
● Quantitative measurement tools do
not capture this
● We can modify traditional
measurement tools just like we
modified traditional library programs
to tell the whole story

13. Participation Surveys
● Filled out by participants, either during or after the event
● Paper and electronic options
● Use first person questions
● Connect questions to the why of the event

14. Staff Observations
● Use form of guide for consistency
● Provide staff training on phrases and descriptors
● Connect questions to goals of event

15. Staff Discussions with Participants
● Embedded librarian practice
● Document responses immediately to
ensure accuracy
● Ask for contact information to follow
up

16. Example Survey Questions
● Today’s activity brought me joy
● I learned and/or tried something new
● I made a connection with another participant
● I helped or received help from another participant

17. Poll: Do you have a
working participation
survey you can
modify for more
participatory
experiences?

18. Analyzing Impact

19. Combine Observations with Outcomes
● Reflect on different participatory roles
○ How were patrons participating?
○ Were patrons engaging with the project or activity? With each other?
● Reflect on the setup
○ Were tools to participate provided?
○ Were guidelines clear?
● Reflect on mission of library and outcome of the event
○ Did the event or activity align with the library’s mission?
● Analyze survey responses and staff observations
○ Were there themes?
○ Did staff or patrons provide constructive feedback?

20. Power of Aesthetically Pleasing Reports
● More compelling of a read
● Pairs quantitative data with testimonials
● Captures enthusiasm and excitement of participatory learning

21. Example Report
● Combination of quantitative and
qualitative data
● The numbers are part of the larger
story
● Photographs provide context
● Measurable data aligns with goals

22. But what if admin is all about numbers?
● Look at your organization’s mission
● Start small
● Create observational “data”
● Invite administration to events
● Take photos and share
● Get testimonies
● Talk about social value

23. Putting it All Together

24. Participatory Planning Framework
Concept/Activity Resources
How will I know it
worked?
How do I
facilitate?
● What will
happen?
● Who are the
intended
participants?
● What supplies or
materials do you
need?
● Are people or
specific groups of
people also a
resource?
● What behaviors or
actions are you
looking for?
● What product are
you looking for?
● What does the
setup look like?
● What is the role
of the
facilitator(s)?
● What prompts
or starting
points are
needed?

25. Example of Planning Framework
Concept/Activity Resources
How will I know it
worked?
How do I
facilitate?
Family storytime --
littler kids help older
kids create something
from shapes, older kids
talk about what it is to
caretakers
❏ Shape by Shape
(McDonald)
❏ Basic felt shapes
❏ Background
music
❏ Caretakers
❏ Grownups will ask
questions of kids
❏ Laughing!
❏ Kids build off of
each others’
creativity
❏ Clear set up
(pre- organize
props)
❏ Circulate, ask
questions, build
off of kids’ ideas
❏ Explain concept
to adults

26. Activity: How
Might We...

27. How Might We…(Inspired by IDEO)
● Design method from IDEO
● Shifts a challenge or problem to a more open-ended statement
● Also helps shift fixed mindset to a more flexible mindset
● Welcomes more patron-focused and participatory solutions

28. Activity Instructions
● Take a moment to consider an area or service of your library that you’d like to
make more participatory
● Grab a sheet of scratch paper or open a doc
○ Write “How might we…” at the top
○ And fill in which area/program/service to complete the question
○ Example: How might we make art exhibits more participatory?
● Take 5 minutes to brainstorm answers to this question
○ Defer judgement
○ Embrace wild ideas
○ Build on the “small” or “basic” ideas

29. Poll: Did this
activity spark any
brilliant and
actionable ideas?

30. Activity Takeaways
● Starting points are important
○ Whatever you try first might not work
○ And that’s why we ITERATE!
● Turn HMW into a participatory activity for staff
○ Pose several statements around services, programs, etc.
○ Post in a staff space
○ Encourage everyone to contribute ideas or add comments
○ Can contribute anonymously or not
■ If names are left, conversations can be continued

31. Time to Share

32. In the Chat...
● Share one participatory program or experience idea
● Include intended measurement tools and/or feedback method

33. Questions and
Final Reflections

34. Thank you!
Alicia Hammond
Forest Park Public Library
@libraryunicorn
Amy Holcomb
Skokie Public Library
@amyhlibrarian