Curtis Rogers Consulting, LLC

Providing training and consulting services to libraries and non-profits.

Can Virtual Focus Groups Work For Your Library?

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Dr. Curtis Rogers

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Libraries can leverage virtual focus groups as a powerful tool for strategic planning and gathering insights on services and future developments. With the increasing prevalence of digital communication tools, hosting virtual focus groups allows libraries to reach a broader audience, including those who may not be able to attend in-person meetings due to geographical, time, or accessibility constraints. These virtual sessions can be conducted via platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet, providing a convenient and flexible way for patrons to share their thoughts and suggestions.

To effectively host virtual focus groups, libraries should begin by clearly defining their objectives and the key topics they wish to explore. This could include understanding user satisfaction with current services, identifying unmet needs, and gathering ideas for future programs and resources. By developing a structured agenda and set of questions, facilitators can ensure the discussion stays focused and productive. It’s also important to select a diverse group of participants that represents the library’s community, ensuring that a wide range of perspectives and experiences are captured.

During the virtual focus group, facilitators should create an engaging and welcoming environment where participants feel comfortable sharing their opinions. This can be achieved by establishing ground rules, encouraging open dialogue, and actively listening to participants’ feedback. Utilizing interactive tools such as polls, breakout rooms, and collaborative documents can also enhance participation and provide additional ways to collect valuable data. Recording the sessions (with participants’ consent) and taking detailed notes will help in accurately capturing the insights shared during the discussions.

After the focus group sessions, libraries should analyze the collected data to identify common themes, trends, and actionable insights. This information can then be used to inform strategic planning, prioritize initiatives, and improve existing services. By communicating the findings and subsequent actions to the participants and the broader community, libraries can demonstrate their commitment to responding to patron needs and fostering a collaborative relationship with their users. In summary, virtual focus groups offer a versatile and inclusive approach for libraries to gather critical feedback, ensuring that their strategic plans are well-aligned with the evolving needs and aspirations of their patrons.

If you’re thinking about hosting virtual focus groups, I’m happy to help plan, host, and provide an analysis to help you plan your library’s future. Learn more at my consulting services page and get in touch today.

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About the author

    Dr. Curtis Rogers is a library consultant who has worked in the library and information science field for over 35 years. He has worked at the Union (SC) Carnegie Library, and the Charleston County (SC) Public Library, and retired as the Communications Director of the South Carolina State Library. He has also taught courses at the University of South Carolina School of Library and Information Science. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Geography, a Master of Library and Information Science, and a Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of South Carolina. In 2001, he completed the University of the Azores Summer Study Course in Azorean Portuguese Culture and Language and in 2002 completed the Certified Public Manager credential. In 2008, he was President of the SC Library Association. Rogers developed a national library survey on library use of social media for public relations and presented this survey’s results at the 2009 German Library Association Conference and at the State and University Library of Hamburg. He has served as secretary of the board of the Library Marketing and Communications Conference and as secretary of the SC Academy of Authors, as well as chair of the USC School of Library and Information Annual Literacy Leaders (ALL) Awards Committee. He has also served on the Friends of South Carolina Libraries (FOSCL) board and is a member of the ALA CORE Library Consultants group. He is a recipient of the 2015 F. William Summers Outstanding Alumni Award from the USC School of Library and Information Science.