Expanding outward: libraries broaden their impact

The purpose of this column is to describe several examples of libraries providing services to their patrons to broaden their impact beyond their four walls.

Literature review and commentary on this topic that has been addressed by professionals, researchers and practitioners.

Mobility substantiates the claim that library users have certain expectations from their libraries, not the least of which is to maintain a currency with the latest technological advances through its services. Therefore, younger generations brought up on high-tech access to their library materials via an array of services outside the building itself is paramount to a public expecting its links to services anywhere, anytime.

The value in exploring this topic is to examine several real-world scenarios where libraries have provided exceptional services beyond the building to satisfy the ever-expanding expectations of their users.