Strategies for Outreach to Marginalized Populations

The dedicated people who work in libraries support their patrons in many ways. Perhaps one of the most important, and least visible, population segments they assist are marginalized peoples. When those in the LGBTQ+ or homeless communities seek out guidance, libraries are there. But if you want to proactively offer services to them, or to BIPOC teens, disabled individuals, and others, how can you reach them?

Kathy Dempsey wrote the popular how-to book The Accidental Library Marketer and founded her own marketing consultancy, Libraries Are Essential. Her work is dedicated to helping librarians and information professionals promote their value and expertise to gain respect and funding. Kathy has been the Editor of Marketing Library Services newsletter for 28 years and was formerly editor-in-chief of Computers in Libraries magazine. She's Founding Chair of the Library Marketing and Communications Conference. This writer, editor, and marketing maven has been giving presentations across the U.S. and Canada for 25+ years, always sprinkling them with humor to make marketing concepts more interesting and accessible.