Trends Impacting the Columbus Metropolitan Library: We selected Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML) as our library of focus due to its commitment to helping its community by offering programs and services for workforce development, social services, adult education and digital inclusion.

This website project provides an overview of key trends at the library. It examines the library’s current state, including its strategic direction, signature services, and innovations. Frameworks such as Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD), the Garmer Report, GARE, Gross’s lexicon, and the DEI scorecard are applied to analyze community needs, the library’s use of language and messaging, and its equity and inclusion efforts. The report also offers recommendations for future development.

Drawing on publicly available reports, demographic data, and organizational materials, the project explores how the library system aligns its mission, programming, and outreach efforts with the needs of the diverse communities it serves. Particular attention is given to areas such as community engagement, lifelong learning, digital access, and equity-focused services. The project also evaluates how strategic planning, financial priorities, and community partnerships contribute to the library’s overall effectiveness and public value. By analyzing both qualitative and quantitative information, this work highlights the role of modern public libraries as essential community institutions that provide access to information, educational opportunities, and inclusive public spaces. The findings demonstrate how intentional planning and responsive services can strengthen community connections and support evolving patron needs.

Juan Antonio Cuéllar was born in Los Caños, Aguascalientes, MX, raised in Santa Cruz, California, and later moved to San Francisco to study at the California Culinary Academy. After working in the city’s hospitality industry, he pursued another creative passion, playing valve trombone and touring with the bilingual punk band La Plebe. During this time, he started working at the Arhoolie Foundation as a head digitizing engineer for the Strachwitz Frontera Collection, the largest repository of commercially recorded Spanish language music. Over two decades, Cuéllar digitized more than 160,000 audio recordings, helping preserve one of the largest collections of Mexican and Mexican American music. His role evolved to curating the collection as well as processing thousands of related photographs, videos, and printed materials. Cuellar is currently contributing to over 30 years of digital assets as Archivist and Digital Asset Manager of Los Cenzontles Music and Art Academy in San Pablo, California.

Lucy Casey is a graduate student pursuing her Master of Library and Information Science degree, with an expected graduation date of Fall 2026, while serving as the Marketing and Public Relations Coordinator for the Parsippany Library. Before transitioning into public libraries, she worked in digital marketing in the for-profit sector, developing experience in communications, branding, and audience engagement. Her professional background now informs her work in library marketing, where she focuses on connecting communities to programs, resources, and services through accessible, community-centered outreach. As a student, Lucy’s academic interests include outreach and equity in libraries, public library advocacy, and the role of marketing and communications in increasing community engagement. Through both her coursework and professional experience, she is especially interested in how libraries can create welcoming spaces, strengthen community relationships, and expand access to information and services for diverse populations.

Sophie Qian is excited to return to academia to pursue her MLIS after a long career in the tech industry. She currently works part-time at her local library and is actively involved as a volunteer with several community-based nonprofits. In her free time, she enjoys painting, traveling, and playing pickleball.