On this episode of First State Insights, Betsey Suchanic, Senior Program Manager with the Urban Libraries Council, speaks with Troy Mix, Associate Director of the University of Delaware’s Institute for Public Administration (IPA), about local libraries' critical community economic development roles. Topics covered include the essential local government services provided by libraries during the pandemic and the need to reinvest in public libraries as we move forward in recovery.
The Urban Libraries Council (ULC) is an innovation and action tank of North America’s leading public library systems. Betsey supports ULC’s strategic focus areas in education, digital equity, and healthy, sustainable communities. Learn more about ULC’s work to strengthen and promote the value of libraries as essential public assets.
Before joining ULC, Betsey earned a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Delaware’s Biden School of Public Policy & Administration. While earning her degree, she researched transportation planning and community economic development as a Public Administration Fellow at IPA.
This October 12, 2021 interview is presented as part of the Visions of Recovery series through IPA's First State Insights podcast. This series seeks to shed light on opportunities for community, economic, and social recovery from the pandemic by engaging experts and advocates in conversations on five important questions:
- What’s one thing you think will be changed for good after the pandemic?
- What’s one thing you hope will change?
- What needs to happen for this change to occur?
- What are you doing to make it happen?
- How can folks get involved?
For the latest in the Visions of Recovery series, consult IPA's news feed or visit the series playlist on SoundCloud.
Opening and closing music: "I Dunno" by Grapes, used under Creative Commons 3.0 License.
Tune to First State Insights for information, perspectives, and analysis—"IPA"—on public policy, management, and community and economic development in Delaware. In the coming weeks, expect interviews across multiple sectors from business people, brewers, and entrepreneurs to urban planners, environmentalists, educators, and caregivers.
Listen to First State Insights
Visit IPA's SoundCloud page to see a full list of episodes, or search for "First State Insights" to listen wherever you get your podcasts.