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Responding to Crisis with Always-Available Titles

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Responding to Crisis with Always-Available Titles

Hennepin County Library, Minn.

Equity and Inclusion | 2020

Innovation Synopsis

Amid a global reckoning with racial injustices and the history of white supremacy, Hennepin County Library sought ways to help our communities learn, heal and make a difference. HCL responded to a spike in demand for anti-racism materials by eliminating wait times and providing instant access to three popular e-book and audiobook titles.

Challenge/Opportunity

  • Hennepin County Library serves the city of Minneapolis, a community seeking meaningful change following the murder of George Floyd.
  • Headlines and newsfeeds prompted self-education and introspection about systems of oppression.
  • Real-time HCL collection data showed an incredible increase in demand for Me and White Supremacy, White Fragility and How to Be an Antiracist.
  • Wait times were a barrier that could be eliminated by investing in simultaneous use licenses.
  • Collection budgets needed additional support to fun.

Key Elements of Innovation

  • Real-time holds data provided insights for immediate action.
  • For situational context: George Floyd’s murder occurred May 25; additional collection funds were allocated by June 1; local curfews continued until June 5.
  • Any library card registered with HCL could access downloads.
  • Instant e-cards, a recent innovation at HCL, attracted new library users.
  • Friends of HCL were inspired by the public response and stepped in to alleviate pressure on HCL’s collection budget, fully funding the three always-available titles.

Achieved Outcomes

  • Patron response was immediate and news of title availability spread quickly via word of mouth and social media.
  • HCL was able to serve thousands more residents through simultaneous use vs. one copy/one use. The three titles circulated more than 46,600 times during Summer 2020.
  • No-wait access occurred during a time when print copies of anti-racist materials were backordered across the nation.
  • Responsive collection management builds trust, increased access and demonstrated HCL values.
  • HCL saw its all-time highest new users on June 9.