Critical Connectors: Libraries Developing Community-Engaged Research Partnerships

Academic libraries can serve as critical campus and community connectors, developing sustainable collaborative models and lasting partnerships by responding to community information needs with library and university resources. Librarians can help break down silos and address systemic injustice in local communities through innovative outreach, community engagement, and curricular integration of critical information literacy. In this case study, a Business & Entrepreneurship Librarian and an Assistant Professor of Business Communication will detail a class project they developed in partnership with a local entrepreneur to support the success of a local Black-owned business, help address the racial wealth gap, and provide a valuable engaged learning experience for undergraduate students.