View and Reflect
| Site: | MSL Learn |
| Course: | Connecting with Local Government Officials - Do public libraries help mitigate crime? |
| Book: | View and Reflect |
| Printed by: | Guest user |
| Date: | Friday, 21 November 2025, 7:56 AM |
Description
Work through this section to access discussion questions, webinar recording, speaker information, and resources.
You can download or print this activity to use with a group.
Discussion Questions
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How can public libraries effectively communicate their role in crime reduction to local government officials and funders?
→ Consider both short-term and long-term impacts, as well as the concept of externalities.
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Which do you think has a greater impact on reducing crime: the physical presence of a library or its programming? Why?
→ Reflect on the mechanisms discussed, such as surveillance vs. educational opportunities.
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What are the implications of Dr. Neto’s findings for library planning in rural or underserved communities?
→ Think about how proximity and access might influence outcomes.
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How might libraries measure and report their impact on community safety beyond anecdotal evidence?
→ Explore data collection, partnerships with local law enforcement, or community surveys.
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What challenges might arise when trying to generalize the Kansas City case study to other cities or regions?
→ Consider socioeconomic, geographic, and cultural differences.
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How can libraries balance the need for privacy and inclusivity with the potential benefits of increased surveillance for public safety?
→ Discuss ethical considerations and community trust.
Discussion questions generated by Microsoft Copilot from the webinar transcript.
Recording
(59:08)
MSL Resources and Consulting
You can learn more about libraries and community safety in a variety of ways.
- Research Paper
- Presentation Slides
- FGCU professor says public libraries lower crime
- Series Discussion Guide
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