Libraries as Facilitators for Self-Actualization...
I work as the Community Outreach Coordinator and the State Data Coordinator for the Mississippi Library Commission. In my role, I collaborate with Mississippi's public libraries on community needs assessments, partnerships, and strategic planning. This role allows me a lot of time in the field traveling to different libraries across Mississippi and getting to know the communities those libraries serve. Whether it is the Delta or the Pine Belt, through needs assessments and focus groups, I have the fortune of learning about the needs and interests of fellow Mississippians directly, and how their local public libraries can help meet those needs. Also under my purview are our disability support services. Our Disability Support Coordinator, Ruth Jinkiri, works with library systems to develop support groups in their communities for patrons with disabilities and their caregivers. Ruth also provides Mississippi’s public libraries with professional development content and training for library staff to be better able to serve those with disabilities in their communities.
