Outreach in academic libraries is rewarding but often comes with challenges like managing capacity, avoiding burnout, and justifying the return on investment. This session will offer actionable strategies to measure workload, determine how much to take on, and handle over-capacity scenarios. We'll explore ways to sunset ineffective programs, leverage collaboration to lighten the load, and build sustainable outreach practices that align with institutional priorities. Attendees will gain tools to manage internal and external expectations, advocate for resources, and foster growth opportunities for their outreach teams. The session will also delve into balancing creativity and practicality, addressing hidden labor like event cleanup, signage design, and material storage. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to outreach, this session provides practical tips for maximizing impact, sharing ownership, and adapting to evolving needs-ensuring your outreach efforts remain impactful, feasible, and personally sustainable over the long term. As current outreach librarians and staff members, we believe outreach is the heart of connecting libraries with their communities, yet it's often one of the most demanding and underappreciated aspects of our work. Balancing creativity with practicality, impact with sustainability, and enthusiasm with capacity is a challenge every outreach professional faces. We are particularly inspired by the opportunity to explore innovative ways to sunset ineffective programs and embrace new ideas, all while fostering teamwork and advocating for resources.
Thursday October 16, 2025 4:00pm - 4:45pm EDT Salem 3A301 West 5th Street, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
