View and Reflect

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• What challenges might arise when trying to generalize the Kansas City case study to other cities or regions?

  → Consider socioeconomic, geographic, and cultural differences.

• 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.