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MONDAY, AUG 05, 2024
Ypsilanti District Library provides equitable access to information, resources, and programs to enrich the lives of all community members.
Ypsilanti District Library (YDL) is more than just a book hub. It's a vital community center committed to serving the diverse needs of Ypsilanti, Michigan. With a mission rooted in equity, diversity, and inclusion, YDL strives to reflect and uplift its community with outreach programs and targeted services.
To deepen its impact, YDL embarked on a journey to understand its service area and patrons on a more granular level. Ypsilanti District Library recognized the need to delve into the economic, educational, health, and social indicators of their patrons to reveal at-risk segments of the population. Armed only with a list of library card holders from multiple YDL branch libraries, Ypsilanti faced challenges in identifying the unique characteristics and needs of its community.
Ypsilanti, like many communities, grappled with disparities in access and representation. Without a clear understanding of the service area population, they risked inadvertently excluding those most in need of their services. Navigating the intricacies of where and how to access demographic data and other community data presented a formidable challenge for this valuable nonprofit.
Recognizing the limitations of their patron data alone, YPL partnered with Social Explorer to develop a comprehensive service area analysis and analysis of library patrons. Social Explorer, a trusted ally empowering nonprofits with geospatial data analysis, helped YPL see through the spreadsheets.
Social Explorer leveraged their expertise to reveal patronage patterns, demographic trends, and areas of underserved populations. Led by Andrew Beveridge, Social Explorer partnered with YDL to unlock demographic insights that helped YDL shape services to meet patron demands. The report Social Explorer delivered explored the library’s service area by various relevant demographic characteristics including:
Age
Gender
Race
Income & poverty
Education
Internet access
Family structure
Health
Through its geospatial data platform, Social Explorer was able to help YDL was able to visualize demographic distinctions in their service area. YDL gained a profound understanding of its community with the Demographic Analysis report Social Explorer delivered.
Interestingly, while the community skewed young, there was a disparity in library engagement across age groups and genders. The data indicated that:
A Young Population. The typical Ypsilanti resident was slightly older than 24 years old, while the typical American is 38 years old.
Low Library Use by People Under 18. Young people made up a disproportionately small percentage of library patrons. People under the age of 18 accounted for 21 percent of the area’s total population, but only 14 percent of patrons.
Social Explorer's analysis illuminated other areas of opportunity, showcasing the untapped potential among youth and men. The analysis revealed significant disparities in income, education, and internet access, shedding light on areas needing focused attention.
A Diverse Population. YDL’s service area was found to be among the most diverse in the region, with a lower percentage of non-Hispanic whites than the surrounding area. About 55 percent of the district’s residents were white, non-Hispanic—far less than the 75 percent in Michigan or 61 percent in the entire United States.
Lower Regional Broadband Service. While the Ypsilanti Library service area was representative of the country, with 73 percent of its residents having a broadband subscription. That figure, however, was much less than several surrounding areas with between 78 and 92 percent broadband, indicating the importance of the Library’s broadband access.
High Poverty Rate. The poverty rate in Ypsilanti city was among the highest in the nation. Almost 1 in 3 residents of the city were living below the poverty line.
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YDL’s experience highlighted the crucial role of data literacy in the nonprofit sector. By equipping YDL with the tools to interpret and leverage data effectively, Ypsilanti was able to drive positive change and foster inclusivity.
The impact of this collaboration extends far beyond statistics. YDL was able to serve its patrons more strategically, bridging gaps in access and representation. From targeted programs for underrepresented groups to enhanced service offerings, YDL is poised to uplift every member of its community.
YDL’s experience highlighted the crucial role of data literacy in the nonprofit sector. By equipping YDL with the tools to interpret and leverage data effectively, Ypsilanti was able to drive positive change and foster inclusivity.
The impact of this collaboration extends far beyond statistics. YDL was able to serve its patrons more strategically, bridging gaps in access and representation. From targeted programs for underrepresented groups to enhanced service offerings, YDL is poised to uplift every member of its community.
The partnership between Ypsilanti Library and Social Explorer is more than just a collaboration – it's a catalyst for change. By harnessing the power of of Social Explorer’s service area analysis for nonprofits, YDL is not only serving their patrons more effectively, but also fostering a culture of informed decision-making within the community. YDL is building a future where every individual feels valued, heard, and empowered to thrive.
In the tapestry of community engagement, every thread counts. Ypsilanti Library is weaving a narrative of inclusivity, resilience, and boundless opportunity for generations to come.
