Economic Development and MONTANA LIBRARIES

Dear friends and colleagues,

I have a limited contract with the Montana State Library to provide guidance for enhanced statewide public library programming that supports local economic development. I'm asking for your ideas and input.

Recent research validates that public libraries (including those across Montana) are logical partners for economic development initiatives that focus on people and quality of life. They can bring many assets when partnering with business and economic development including knowledgeable staff, online and print resources that support business, workforce, and literacy development in addition to the physical library building and its technological resources.

My format is informal and your responses will be used internally to give me direction moving forward with recommendations. If you have additional inspirations, please connect with me at anneboothe406@gmail.com to set up a time to chat and brainstorm together. Please accept my sincere thanks for your time and assistance.

Anne Boothe

Rural Montana Freelance

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* 1. "background first"- how do you and/or your organization utilize your local library for business or economic development related activities?

utilize their space or conference room to provide workshops and training.

encourage our clients to access local library resources - books, printed materials, computers, WiFi, etc.

use or encourage the use of online library services such as the MSL Digital LIbrary for data research, governmental information, geospatial and natural resource information and more.

I have a library card..but don't fully realize the opportunity of public libraries.

Other (please identify any related activities)

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* 2. "thinking big" - are there business and economic development needs in your community that the physical assets (space, access to technology, etc) of a public library could assist or partner with to meet those needs?

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* 3. "building partners" - do you have an existing project or program that would be augmented by partnering or collaborating with your local library? Details please.

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* 4. "a little deeper" - are you aware of any innovating private or public programs that should be investigated further? Details please.

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* 5. "matchmaking" - are there specific actions that you or your group could assist with? Examples - training, printed/digital business resources, program marketing, funding, shared spaces, inclusion in strategic planning, other partnerships and more. Details please.

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* 6. "what else" - please offer additional ideas, comments or concerns?

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* 7. "again, thank you" - please provide contact information so I can followup as needed. Yes, share with others who may have insight. Contact me: Anne Boothe, 406.390.2288 or anneboothe406@gmail.com

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