How might we leverage libraries as a platform to build more knowledgeable communities?
This is the question, focused on libraries and community engagement, that prompted the Knight News Challenge in 2014.
The challenge is hosted by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation (@knightfdn). The Foundation is a non-profit organization whose mission is to support community-transforming causes that “promote quality journalism, advance media innovation, engage communities and foster the arts…believ[ing] that democracy thrives when people and communities are informed and engaged.”
A total of 680 submissions from all over the United States were analyzed by 11 panel members. Trending themes among the projects ranged from maker spaces to open data movements.
In the fall, 41 semi-finalists were chosen to move on. Only a few winners will be chosen to receive funding at the end of the contest, but all are worthy endeavors. Judges will have to take into account the community the project will serve, how far the funding will go in the project, and how much of an impact the project will have on the community–just to name a few possible angles of analysis.
In order to present the contenders in the easiest way for you to browse, here are the 41 semi-finalists, categorized by the general themes as defined by the Knight Foundation and organized below. (Source: https://newschallenge.org/challenge/libraries/refinement?order=COMMENTS&direction=DESC).
Winners will be announced January 22.
The original challenge can be viewed here.
The maker movement:
Libraries are looking to create spaces and programs that enable invention and hands-on education.
Information literacy:
From digital and data literacy, to timely training on privacy concerns, libraries can guide communities through the complex information ecosystems that shape our economy and culture.
Media and journalism:
From media creation spaces to archives of news and media to new models for local journalism, the library and journalism fields are inherently linked through their shared values of upholding the truth and providing information.
Local history:
Libraries are dedicated to the preservation of local knowledge; they are increasingly investigating ways to use new technology to capture and present rich information rooted in time and place.
Open data:
Many libraries are exploring their role in the open government movement as potential repositories of data and resources for civic technologists.
Library without walls:
From techno trucks to book bikes, library professionals are ready to put their resources on wheels and take them wherever they are needed.
Professional transformation:
Library professionals have a deep pride in their profession and are seeking research and education opportunities to respond to change.
Who would you like to see win? Show your support for your favorite projects here or by clicking the links to the individual projects above.