Preparing the Next Generation of Citizens: What Libraries Can Learn from Campus Civic Initiatives
What colleges and universities are teaching us about civic readiness—and how libraries can carry the work forward.
I recently listened to a compelling interview with Raj Vinnakota, president of the Institute for Citizens and Scholars—an 80-year-old nonprofit that collaborates with leaders in higher education, business, and philanthropy to equip young people with the skills they need to become engaged citizens.
The podcast, hosted by Sara Custer, editor in chief at Inside Higher Ed, explored how many college leaders have turned to civil discourse and dialogue programs in response to student protests that roiled campuses after the start of the Israel-Hamas war. While these programs have been in development for decades, one pressing question continues to arise: How do we know they’re working?
That question led to Raj and the institute launching the College Presidents for Civic Preparedness initiative in 2023. Today, over 120 leaders from two- and four-year institutions across 35 states are part of this growing coalition. One of its central missions is to develop ways to assess and measure civil discourse and critical thinking on campuses.
I found myself reflecting on this conversation deeply—not only because I’ve followed Raj’s work at the Institute for years now, but also because he and I have served together on various working groups related to civic education. His work with students, faculty, and university presidents sets forth an inspiring model—one I’ve been working to replicate in library settings.
At the core of his work, and mine, is a shared belief:
Every child and adult in the United States—regardless of location or demographics—should develop a deep understanding of, and appreciation for, our constitutional democracy.
Their learning must also be grounded in the ability to discern high-quality information. These learners of all ages are not just participants; they are stewards of our country’s political traditions, deliberative culture, public institutions, and sense of mutual obligation.
Students who are equipped with a strong civic foundation leave campus ready to engage in activities that strengthen well-being, build trust, promote interconnection, and foster dialogue about public challenges. They are prepared to volunteer in government and nonprofit organizations, stay informed about their communities, and participate directly in crafting solutions to social and economic issues.
A core part of this effort is helping students develop the skills, habits, and dispositions needed to discuss political, societal, and local issues with others—from family members to friends to complete strangers. While there are many promising approaches happening today, it’s fair—and important—to ask whether they are actually effective.
That’s why Raj’s team focuses so heavily on measurement. Civil discourse and collaborative problem-solving aren’t just abstract ideals; they are practical skills that must be developed and assessed. Since 2023, the institute has been mapping out how to think about—and measure—civic preparation, including evaluating how students learn to engage with those who hold different viewpoints or express minority opinions.
As Raj noted in the interview, “Civil discourse is not a goal in itself. It’s a means to future collaborative problem solving.” This work includes creating new tools for assessment because many existing approaches assume students have already formed firm political affiliations—which is often not the case.
The institute’s aspirational goal is that every student on campus not only learns but also practices civic discourse. To move beyond an “opt-in” culture, colleges are integrating these skills into curricula, residential life, and extracurricular activities.
And this effort isn’t just about civic engagement. Employers increasingly demand graduates who can communicate across difference, work collaboratively, and engage in problem-solving—skills equally essential in the workforce and in democratic life.
This is where public libraries have a powerful role to play.
In my book, I emphasized that libraries today must go beyond providing access to information—the bedrock of their mission—and also offer access to one another. People are increasingly hungry for opportunities to connect across differences. Recent findings from The Connection Opportunity report reveal that the most common barrier to engaging with people from different backgrounds is simply a lack of opportunity. In fact, 70% of Americans say they feel a responsibility to connect across lines of difference, yet many can’t find the time or spaces to do so—a challenge made even clearer in recent years by studies showing how the built environment can hinder or foster connection. Compounding this, many individuals also report lacking the confidence and skills to engage across differences. This is where civic education and preparedness become essential, equipping people not just with the desire to connect but with the tools to do so effectively.
While universities are advancing civic preparation in the classroom and beyond, libraries can lead the way in out-of-school learning, providing similar opportunities for the millions of Americans who will never set foot on a college campus. And beyond preparation, libraries can also play a reparative role, helping to rebuild the social fabric frayed by polarization and disconnection.
I look forward to more conversations like the one with Raj. And I’m excited about the growing possibilities ahead for libraries to leverage this work already taking place on campuses. That’s part of why I’m honored to serve as the opening plenary speaker at the upcoming American Democracy Project Summit, hosted by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities on July 13 and 14 in Indianapolis, IN.
The need for these skills doesn’t end at graduation. In both professional and civic life, dialogue, critical thinking, and collaborative problem-solving are more important than ever. Together, campuses and libraries can help Americans of all ages sharpen these tools—and use them.