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Per the Institute of Museum and Library Services: “As of 2020 there are 3,964 Rural Libraries in the United States.” That is 42% of all libraries in the United States. Public Libraries are a part of our communities; whether urban, large, suburban, medium, rural, or small. And while all libraries have similarities, each type of library does come with its own uniqueness, splendor, and challenges. Some of the issues that Rural Libraries face are a lack of robust funding, staffing issues, and professional development.
While Rural Libraries typically do not have the same funding availability as their urban counterparts, they are normally more connected with the community nuances around them. Whereas most other types of libraries might know a small portion of their patrons personally, in a rural library this is more the norm of everyday working in this type of library. This connection is personal; you know more patron’s names, their family stories/situations, and even the good and bad in their lives. This connection allows for more focused programming to assist with the lives of their patrons.
But programming without funding is a challenge. Grant writing can be a useful tool for many Rural Libraries to provide programming as well as community donations.
Staff at Rural Libraries wear multiple hats and provide multiple services to their patrons. It is unlikely they will have dedicated staff in key positions that are deemed important to the everyday activities of the library (such as Reference Librarians or Collection Development staff). In addition, many Rural Libraries might have only one or two librarians on staff. Period. So, a children’s librarian can do programming, collection development, grant writing, marketing, and desk time all in one day. While the cataloger might do collection development, cataloging, and outreach. In my experience, this was a great way to understand the intricacies of library workings, but it was also highly stressful.
Professional Development is a cornerstone to running a successful Rural Library.
Programming on finding additional funding through grants and donations, training staff on new programming ideas, and stress management with instruction in how-to deal with specific situations. These are all very necessary parts to have a smoothly run library environment. In addition, every staff member must have a grasp of the unique issues rural populations might need, like the digital divide and internet access. It’s just what they do. To assist our rural counterparts, here are some resources that might be of use to them and their Rural Library customers.
Resources for Rural Libraries
• ALA’s Libraries Transforming Communities has another grant cycle starting in the Fall of 2023 for Small and Rural Libraries looking to better serve people with disabilities.
• Attend the 2023 Association for Rural & Small Libraries in Wichita, KS this year.
• Boost the collection with a Rural Interest Collection Development List.
Link to Collection Development List:
Collection Development Librarian
