What is it?
A community needs assessment is an appraisal of a community designed to provide an organization with a picture of the community they serve. They are widely used in public health and community organizations to help determine the composition of the community, community needs, and to identify other resources and stakeholders.
Why do we do them?
A community needs assessment helps identify community health concerns and potential partners.
How do we conduct them?
Starting a community assessment can be as easy as pulling out a pen and paper and jotting down what public library staff and board members know about the community they serve.
1. Decide who your population is...
2. Decide what information you need to gather to give you a snapshot of the community and the problem...
Accessing available information on my community: