Innovator-In-Residence Program
Memphis Public Libraries
Innovation Synopsis
The Memphis Public Libraries (MPL) Innovator-In-Residence program (IIR) connects working creative professionals in a myriad of fields with library patrons to teach marketable skills, build business savvy, create strategic support networks, & channel passion into a new profession. From public programs to personalized mentorship, IIR gives people from all walks of life access to tools that build their confidence as emerging entrepreneurs & sets them on a better career path. Keys to entrepreneurial success include inspiration, specialized skills, funding, business acumen, & a professional network or mentor. Through IIR, MPL creates access to these essential workforce development resources for all library patrons. In addition, Innovators partner with MPL to acquire relevant equipment & technology, & to train library staff. These assets remain available for use long after the Innovator’s residency ends. IIR expands library capacity without burdening tight staffing budgets.
Challenge/Opportunity
Memphis is the nation’s largest majority Black city. Over 63% of residents are African American, & 21% live in poverty. Median minority household income is only 58% of white income. The unemployment rate is 5%, as compared to a state rate of 3%. The high school graduation rate is 81.5%, compared to a state rate of 90.6%. MPL provides access to resources, opportunity, & hope. IIR is hosted at 2 branches. Cossitt Library serves Downtown, where 52% of residents are African American & 14% live in poverty. The area faces economic disparities, with wealthy neighborhoods near some of the poorest. Raleigh Library patrons are 76% African American, & 26% live in poverty. Each of these branches has unique building features that are ideal for IIR. Cossitt has photo/video & recording studios, a large performance space, & a full-service restaurant. Raleigh has a teaching kitchen & large community room. Both are flexible, with moveable furniture & shelving to accommodate a variety of activities.
Key Elements of Innovation
Unlike most library residency programs, MPL Innovators embed their business operations in the library for at least a year, gaining access to free workspace, equipment, supplies, & a stipend. In exchange, they share expertise with patrons through programming & mentorship, assist in designing & equipping specialized spaces, & provide staff training. Innovators also promote the library via their networks & social media, attracting patrons who might not have otherwise discovered its resources. All programming integrates essential digital skills, regardless of the Innovator's field. IIR is an alternative library staffing model that creates a mutually beneficial relationship between the Innovator, the library, & its patrons. MPL has developed a unique process for identifying, vetting, engaging, & collaborating with Innovators to meet distinct community needs. Through IIR, MPL offers a breadth of resources & fosters deep, transformative learning experiences that lead to career success.
Achieved Outcomes
MPL’s pilot Innovator, podcaster & radio personality Ena Esco, helped staff design a podcasting studio at Cossitt in Spring 2023. She has since based her Verbally Effective podcast there, hosted popular programs on podcasting from concept to monetization, & mentored over 40 emerging podcasters. At least 20 new podcasts have launched from Cossitt’s studio, with podcasters using the space weekly for free. Ena also launched the annual PODBOX Memphis Podcast Festival in 2023, attracting over 100 participants & many sponsors. This year’s festival is expected to grow with professional podcaster & actress Amanda Seales as keynote speaker. MPL leveraged Ena’s success to secure $300,510 in grant funding from the State of Tennessee to expand IIR, placing five Innovators at Cossitt and two at Raleigh through 2026. IIR will expand library impact without expanding staff numbers, provide clear pathways to entrepreneurial success, and raise awareness of diverse library resources for years to come.
