By Elizabeth Osayande

Public libraries are uniquely positioned to bridge social and economic gaps, especially for marginalized groups. However, many people are unaware of or unable to access the vast resources that libraries offer, leading to prolonged disenfranchisement. I’m passionate about connecting people to empowering information in ways that recognise their unique backgrounds, and community engagement provides that opportunity” -Millicent Mabi

With a focus on information equity and social justice, the Director of Community Engagement and Programming at Regina Public Library, Millicent Mabi shares her insights and experiences on the transformative power of public libraries in fostering community empowerment and bridging opportunity gaps.

Excerpt of the interview:

What motivated you to focus on community engagement and information equity through public libraries?

My motivation stems from personal experiences and witnessing firsthand how access to the right information can transform lives. Early in my career, I stumbled upon community engagement without even realising it was called that at the time. I found great fulfillment in venturing into communities to build relationships with underserved groups who had limited knowledge of or access to resources and support.

Working closely with disenfranchised groups allowed me to understand how they connect with empowering information. I saw how the relationships I forged enhanced their access to resources and increased their community participation. This deepened my interest in community engagement, leading me to pursue further research and work in the field. In my current leadership role, I direct system-wide community engagement initiatives.

Public libraries are uniquely positioned to bridge social and economic gaps, especially for marginalized groups. However, many people are unaware of or unable to access the vast resources that libraries offer, leading to prolonged disenfranchisement. I’m passionate about connecting people to empowering information in ways that recognise their unique backgrounds, and community engagement provides that opportunity.

How do you see libraries contributing to social justice and community empowerment?

Libraries are much more than repositories for books—they are centres of learning and civic engagement. By offering free resources, education, and programmes, libraries promote inclusivity and provide a level playing field for all community members, empowering them to become more active citizens.

For example, libraries offer programmes to educate citizens on electoral processes, helping new voters—such as youth coming of age and newcomers—to understand the electoral system. They provide computers with free access and training to build digital literacy skills, enabling people to connect socially and take advantage of online opportunities. Recognising the risks associated with online participation, such as scams and libraries, also offers training to help users stay safe online.

Libraries promote social justice by curating collections and offering a programme that provides balanced views on various topics, ensuring that people on any side of a divide have access to appropriate resources.

Community engagement is another vital approach. Libraries actively reach out to people where they are, rather than expecting everyone to come to the library. Not everyone can make it to the library, even if they wish to. Some are unaware of the full range of resources available; others face barriers such as health issues, disabilities that limit mobility, or demanding work schedules. By bringing library services to them, libraries level the playing field and help bridge the gap between the privileged and the disenfranchised.

What lessons can African countries learn from your work in Canada’s public libraries?

African libraries can benefit by incorporating more programming and community engagement into their practices, similar to what we’ve done in Canada. Programmes can be tailored to build literacy in various spheres of life for diverse community demographics—for example, financial literacy programmes for adults and health literacy programmes for older adults.

Engaging with individuals and groups through partnerships helps extend the library’s benefits beyond its physical walls into community spaces where people already gather. This approach reduces access barriers for those who, for reasons beyond their control, can not physically visit the library. It creates meaningful opportunities for community connections and fosters the development of innovative programs such as youth mentorship initiatives and technology skill-building workshops. These efforts can significantly reduce social inequities by offering access to education and resources, especially in underserved communities.

How has your work in Canadian public libraries influenced immigrant integration in Canada?

I have been involved in various roles and projects within Canadian public libraries that have helped immigrants settle and succeed in Canada. When immigrants arrive, they must navigate a new life, and access to timely and relevant information and support is crucial—it can significantly influence their settlement trajectory.

Libraries offer resources such as language programmes, job search workshops, and social gatherings, helping immigrants integrate socially and economically into Canadian society. One of the tools libraries use is the ability to create new and customised programmes to suit immigrants and other target audiences.

Beyond my professional work, my research has focused on understanding how immigrants—including minority and marginalised groups—seek, find, and use information during their settlement process (Mabi, 2018; 2020). This research enriches my professional experience, informing the initiatives I’ve engaged in to support immigrant settlement.

An important part of my work has been building relationships with organisations like immigrant settlement agencies and places of worship. Through these partnerships, I’ve reached different types of immigrants, including those who are hard to reach otherwise, extending the benefits of Canadian public libraries to them. My focus goes beyond providing information; it includes connecting immigrants with support systems within and beyond their immediate community.

Some initiatives I’ve worked on include the Library Champions Project, a three-month volunteer programmes where new immigrants conduct outreach to other immigrants. The training builds skills in communication, presentation, outreach, networking, and understanding the range of programs offered by libraries and immigrant service agencies. Participation helps immigrants gain Canadian work experience and references, supporting their employment integration and offering insights into Canadian norms and culture.

Other impactful work includes organizing Black History Month programmes in partnership with the Black community, Black-led businesses, and organizations that support the success of Black people. When the war broke out in Ukraine, and many Ukrainian nationals began arriving in Canada, I partnered with leaders of a Ukrainian agency and community volunteers to create programs that addressed their pressing settlement needs—understanding Canadian social systems, healthcare, immigration processes, employment landscape, learning English, securing housing, and childcare services.

I’m also working with a regional local immigration partnership, World Education Services, employers, higher institutions, and non-profit agencies to improve immigrant employment. There are many impactful initiatives I’ve worked on, but I’ll stop here as I recognise you may have other questions.

What role does information literacy play in closing opportunity gaps?

There’s a popular saying that “information is power,” and this holds when it comes to closing opportunity gaps. Access to timely and relevant information is a key driver of economic vitality and social development. In my research and professional work, I’ve seen people delayed in their careers or other endeavours because they didn’t have the right information at the right time.

The role of information literacy in bridging opportunity gaps can not be overemphasised. People can only take advantage of opportunities they are aware of, whether they discover them deliberately or serendipitously. Information literacy equips individuals with the skills to find, evaluate, and use information effectively, enabling them to make informed decisions about their careers, education, and civic responsibilities, thus helping to close opportunity gaps.

Moreover, in an age of misinformation and disinformation, people need to be information literate to filter and work with accurate and authentic information. Many have been misled by incorrect information, leading to costly consequences such as financial losses or poor health choices.

How do you see libraries evolving in the future to address global challenges?

Libraries will increasingly become digital hubs, offering both physical and online resources, as well as skills training to help bridge digital divides. They will continue to serve as spaces for connection and lifelong learning, likely playing an even greater role in addressing access inequalities globally. Libraries play a crucial role in promoting information literacy and providing educational resources on global challenges, helping to educate the population about these issues.

Can you discuss how information equity differs from information poverty?

Information equity ensures that everyone has access to information that is relevant and tailored to their specific needs. Information poverty, on the other hand, focuses on the lack of access to information. Equity goes beyond mere availability—it’s about making sure people can use the information effectively by providing it in ways that recognize the multifaceted identities of the users (Mabi, O’Brien & Nathan, 2023).

What has been the most rewarding part of your work with marginalised communities?

The most rewarding aspect of my work is seeing individuals and groups empowered through access to library and community resources. While it might seem straightforward for people to walk into a library and feel empowered, it goes beyond that for marginalised communities. Some members may have experienced trauma influencing their decision to engage—or not engage—with libraries. Others may have had negative experiences with systems and authorities and might perceive the library as part of those systems.
Working with marginalised communities to the point where they can be empowered by and benefit from the library is a significant accomplishment. It requires cultural humility on the part of library staff and a willingness—if not full trust—on the part of the communities to give the library a chance. It may not happen quickly, but it’s worth the time and effort to build those relationships.

I’ve worked with different marginalised groups, such as racial and religious minorities. One example involves minority groups who lived almost secluded lives because they couldn’t find a sense of belonging in their community. They felt disconnected, perceiving that community members didn’t understand them and vice versa. In conversations with me, they sought opportunities to be in the same space as locals to observe cultural norms and be seen and possibly heard, which could promote mutual understanding.

The library, being a neutral space where everyone is welcome, appeared to be an ideal place for forging such connections. I obtained the necessary approvals and worked with this group to implement programmes that enhanced their community involvement. The programmes flourished and grew to the point where other local organisations wanted to participate and engage with this group.

One of the great things about libraries is that they build community connections by linking people not just to resources offered in the library but also to external resources that can support individuals, families, or groups holistically. Watching people start to trust the library and allow it to be part of their endeavors is incredibly rewarding. It requires deliberate efforts, and such trust, once earned, should be respected. Watching someone improve their language skills, find employment, or gain confidence from participating in our programs is deeply fulfilling.

How do partnerships with local organizations enhance the work of libraries?

Partnerships are essential—they bring additional expertise and resources to the table. They also broaden the reach of library programmes and services, expanding them into different corners of the community to diverse audiences whom the library might not be able to reach otherwise. Consequently, people who might not have access to library resources can benefit.

For example, some partners promote library programmes within their networks through their marketing and communication channels, thereby granting their clients access to the library. Partnerships also enrich programs by increasing the library’s capacity to bring in additional expertise, either through the contacts of the partner or by sharing resources to bring in an external expert on a topic.

Libraries provide mostly free resources to their communities and are uniquely positioned to support other organizations with resources to enhance the partners’ work, sharing the goal of meeting community needs. I’ve been involved in partnerships with local organizations and have seen firsthand how both the library and the partner benefit from such collaborations. By collaborating with schools, police departments, and community organizations, libraries can offer holistic programs that meet a wide range of community needs.

What advice would you give to policymakers looking to improve public libraries in Africa?

Public libraries hold immense potential for citizen education, crime prevention, health, wellness, and empowerment. In Africa, the trend has largely been for public libraries to focus on holding and making books available. Even so, some libraries struggle to maintain up-to-date collections. Knowledge is dynamic, and collection development needs to be ongoing to introduce new materials frequently.

However, public libraries are more than just houses of books, and this is an area that should be explored. Today, public libraries also offer digital resources, free computers along with computer skills training, 3D printers, programmes to build various literacies required for people to excel in diverse spheres of life, and free spaces that community members can use for social events, youth empowerment programmes, meetings, and job interviews.

Public libraries in Africa need to incorporate more programming and community engagement to enrich the learning provided through access to books. Establishing facilities that accommodate all these services, staffing them appropriately, and ensuring that resources are updated and maintained requires a strong commitment from governments and other stakeholders.

Like their counterparts in more developed nations, libraries in Africa can become community hubs that address the educational and social needs of the population if policymakers invest the necessary commitment and resources. Also important is having good leadership and management teams for the libraries and well-trained staff to deliver innovative services. Therefore, staff training is essential, as is visionary and transparent leadership. I urge policymakers to invest in infrastructure, skills training, and resources to improve public libraries in Africa.

Can you highlight a particular success story from your work in community engagement?

I have many success stories, each bringing positive changes to people’s lives. For example, I helped address how refugees were falling through the cracks of library requirements for obtaining free library cards because they couldn’t produce the necessary documents. We worked to create a new library card type that granted refugees greater access to library resources. Another success involves job seekers who, through our employment programmes, secured jobs—sometimes even six-figure salaries. A standout story is about a young student who joined our reading programs. Initially struggling academically, they eventually excelled in school thanks to the consistent support and mentorship they received. Working with homeless shelters to bring computers, digital literacy, and programmes to people experiencing homelessness was also incredibly impactful.

However, I’d like to focus on the “Cops and Readers” programme. The “Cops and Readers” programme is a partnership between the public library, the police service, and the elementary school system aimed at increasing children’s motivation to read, enhancing safety awareness, and introducing them to library programs and services. We target Grade 3 students who are reading below grade level, as this stage is pivotal in a child’s education—it’s when the focus shifts from learning to read to reading to learn.

Higher proficiency in reading increases the chances of high school graduation and future success. Conversely, children who struggle academically may seek alternative ways to demonstrate their skills, potentially leading to criminal activities. Lower literacy levels have been linked to an increased risk of criminal behaviour, and raising literacy rates is recognized as a way to prevent and reduce crime in society.

By collaborating with these partners and delivering sessions at schools and participating in library branches, the program helps at-risk children learn safety skills, connect with books, and access library resources. They receive free books to continue their reading at home with their families. This project positively impacts participating children by setting them up for future success and benefits society by reducing the risk of crime and recidivism.

How do you measure the success of your community engagement programs?

Measuring success in community engagement can be elusive, so deliberate efforts are required to capture and communicate it. Success is measured not only by quantitative participation numbers but also through anecdotal and qualitative feedback, as well as long-term outcomes such as improved literacy levels, employment rates, and positive feedback from participants who feel empowered by the programmes.

Sometimes the success is immediate—for instance, when you inform people about library resources, and you soon find them at the library utilizing those resources. Such situations provide immediate feedback that the community engagement initiative was successful.

It’s important to set clear goals for community engagement, as this provides the foundation for measurement. Equally important is implementing mechanisms to collect data—deciding in advance what kinds of data will be collected and how. Tools like spreadsheets and Power BI can help capture and visualise community engagement data to determine if efforts have been successful.

What role do you think digital literacy will play in the future of public libraries?

The COVID-19 pandemic, when much of life moved online, has highlighted the importance of digital literacy for citizens and public libraries. Libraries responded by meeting people online, offering virtual programs, tech help over the phone, and more. While digital literacy initiatives existed before the pandemic, the innovations developed during this time are likely here to stay.

Digital literacy will remain crucial in the future of libraries. Libraries will empower citizens with online programs, digital resources, and digital literacy skills while staying abreast of technological innovations to meet patrons where they are. Around the world, libraries are implementing inspiring new technology initiatives. As more resources and services move online, libraries must be equipped to provide digital literacy training, ensuring that everyone can access and use these tools effectively, regardless of socioeconomic status.

How can public libraries in Africa be more inclusive of diverse populations, especially in rural areas?

Making libraries more inclusive requires deliberate measures. Libraries need to commit to inclusivity and strategically plan to close the inclusion gap by identifying excluded populations and mapping out concrete strategies to engage with them. Commitment from library management is crucial, as is resource allocation and partnership with governments and other stakeholders.

Libraries need to take leadership by learning about their local demographics, understanding trends impacting people, recognizing current and emerging issues, and tailoring their programs to local needs. Ensuring that both physical and digital resources are accessible to diverse groups involves deliberately identifying and working to dismantle access barriers.

Collaborating with local leaders and organizations can help reach more people, especially in remote and underserved areas. Where it’s not immediately possible to open a library branch, alternative measures can be explored to bring the library to the people—through bookmobiles, book vending machines, outreach opportunities, bus tours, virtual offerings, and more. Having community librarians who take the library out to underserved communities, rather than expecting them to come to the library when they cannot due to circumstances beyond their control, is another important approach that can enhance inclusion, especially in rural areas.