STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND RESILIENCE EFFORTS IN CLIMATE CHANGE:

PUBLIC PROGRAM STRATEGIES

Chris Hagar, School of Information, San Jose State University

Co-presenter Dr. Karen Brown, School of Information Studies, Dominican University, IL

Public Libraries Advancing Community Engagement (PLACE) Key Components

• Partnership:

• U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

• Califa

• Goal:

• Help communities build resilience by increasing environmental literacy specific to their region’s geography

and the associated climate vulnerabilities and threats.

• Target populations:

• Rural and under-resourced communities

• Process:

• Discussion-based programs for adults

• Co-facilitated by librarian and a NOAA scientist

• Combines readings, videos, and discussions about resiliency and adaptation in the face of climate change

44 Public Libraries and NOAA Scientists

CHANGE

COMMUNITY

STRATEGY

PLACE Programs

• Understanding of crisis informatics and role of libraries

Crisis Informatics Module…

• What are the key information challenges in a disaster?

• What are the information needs of citizens in disasters?

• What roles can public libraries play in disaster preparedness and response?

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• Heating /cooling center • Safe haven • Space for emergency

responders, volunteers, and volunteer agencies to convene and coordinate efforts.

• FEMA Disaster Recovery Center

• Distribution center e.g. food, water, blankets

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Partnerships

Getting seat at the table Building partnerships

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