Our media landscape has evolved significantly in recent decades, with the rise of the internet and social media altering how people access information. News outlets are constantly exploring ways to effectively connect with their audience in this new information age.
One innovative solution that some news organizations are turning to is forming partnerships with public libraries. The Dallas Morning News, for example, utilized this strategy during the recent election season by setting up tabling sessions in public spaces such as parks, university campuses, and libraries to engage with the community.
Partnerships between news outlets and libraries have become increasingly popular across the country as both entities share a common goal of promoting media literacy and distinguishing fact from fiction. The trust that the public places in libraries, as highlighted by various studies, makes them an ideal setting for journalists to interact with the community.
In Dallas, The Dallas Morning News collaborated with the public library system on various initiatives, including a teen journalism program called Storytellers Without Borders. This program, which ran from 2016 to 2018, provided young people with training in storytelling, reporting, fact-checking, and interviewing skills under the guidance of journalist mentors.
Beyond training future journalists, library-media partnerships have extended to support the arts community. In a collaboration between the Dallas public library, The Dallas Morning News, and local NPR affiliate KERA News, the Arts Access program was created to assist artists in securing funding for their work. By leveraging the library’s resources, the program hosted a funding fair to connect artists with grant opportunities.
While Dallas serves as a prime example of successful library-media partnerships, similar collaborations have emerged in other parts of Texas. In San Antonio, NowCastSA, a nonprofit news site, established its base in the downtown library branch to enhance government transparency by live-streaming local government meetings and candidate forums.
Looking ahead, library-media partnerships are expected to continue evolving and expanding, particularly in light of the challenges posed by the pandemic and the changing media landscape. These collaborations have the potential to benefit not only the library and newsroom but also the community at large, creating a mutually beneficial relationship that empowers individuals with valuable information.
As the journalism landscape continues to transform, partnerships between news outlets and public libraries offer a promising avenue for engaging with audiences, promoting media literacy, and fostering community connections. If you appreciate the insights shared in this article, consider supporting quality journalism by making a donation to sustain the vital work of news organizations like Texas Standard and KUT. Your contribution helps uphold the integrity and value of reliable reporting in today’s fast-paced media environment. Thank you for considering a donation to support independent journalism.
