Case Studies of Public Libraries’ Role in Workforce/Small Business Development

In partnership with Mt. Auburn Associates and Program and Policy Insight, Parsons Consulting collaborated with the IMLS  and the Chief Officers of State Library Agencies (COSLA) to understand libraries’ roles in workforce and business development, explored libraries’ design and delivery of workforce development services, and investigated tools to measure the contribution of libraries to the field. The effort included a literature review, developing a theory of change, and undertaking case studies of 10 library systems across the U.S. The case studies included extensive stakeholder engagement, service investigation and observation, and outcome measurement articulation.