Exploring the Untapped Potential of Library-University Partnerships: A Focus on Early Learning

ABSTRACT US Public libraries are ideal contexts to support early learning and family engagement. However, they are still not fully connected with the early childhood systems within their communities, limiting their potential impact to prepare children and families for the transition to formal schooling. Further, COVID-19 has exacerbated existing barriers to library access, particularly for historically marginalized populations. To address this gap, we contend that public library-university partnerships are one way public libraries can improve their impact and expand their reach. Public libraries and developmental researchers share similar goals and possess complementary expertise that makes a partnership approach to collaboration mutually beneficial.