“Focusing on Trends of Rural and Small Libraries” _______________________ State Library of Kansas

1. “Focusing on Trends of Rural and Small Libraries”_______________________State Library of Kansas Bernard Vavrek, Department of Library Science, Clarion University vavrek@clarion.edu October 4, 2006

2. Where in the world is Clarion, PA? • 85 miles northeast of Pittsburgh • Exit 62, Interstate 80 • Near Cook Forest State Park • Community of 6,000 • An additional 6,000 students

3. Clarion University began in 1867 • Approximately 6,000 students • 80 academic programs • Department of Library Science started in 1937 • Accredited by ALA since 1976

4. Modes of educational delivery via Clarion University • Face to face • Online using Blackboard software • Combination of both F2F and online • Complete online master’s degree

5. Center for the Study of Rural Librarianship (CSRL) • Started in 1978 • Educational, research, rah-rah • Publishes “Rural Libraries” and “Bookmobiles and Outreach Services.” • www.clarion.edu/rural

6. Virtual library association supported by the CSRL • Association of Rural and Small Libraries http://arsl.clarion.edu • Please join on complimentary basis. • Otherwise, dues is $39/year for each.

7. Assignment is to identify trends affecting rural and small libraries. • Depending on the section of the country, rural places are disappearing as exurbanization takes place. • Rural has morphed into “country.” • “Where all the women are strong, the men good-looking, and the children are above average.”

8. Rural places include those that are: • Farming • Industrial • Ranch • Resort • Extractive • College/university • Seats of government • New housing developments

9. Defining rural, always tricky. • In Canada, e.g., rural consists of places of fewer than 1,000 people. • In US, urban starts at 2,500 folks. • Recently, in the US, “micropolitan” has been introduced to identify towns of fewer than 10,000. • Today, rural=nonmetroplitan

10. And the numbers show • That most Americans live in urban [suburban] places. • The rural population is about 49 million. • PA has the largest rural population with about 4 million. • Largest growth by Hispanics, 25%

11. Here come the trends • The following are some factors that will influence libraries at least for the next couple of years. • The list is not exhaustive.

12. 1. The war in Iraq • The war in Iraq will continue to distract the federal government and cause discord regardless of what party is in power. • Needed domestic resources will be spent elsewhere.

13. 2. The cost of gasoline, etc. • Energy prices, natural gas, oil, are hanging in the balance of world events. • Libraries, with even sustainable budgets, could be negatively affected. • Libraries should budget for possible increases.

14. 3. Influx of new Americans • Whether documented or not, some libraries are facing resistance to providing services for those not paying local taxes. • Case in Tennessee, last week, illustrates this and is not alone. • Library staff has to “know” users and nonusers and provide relevant services.

15. 4. It’s all in the local economy • Few towns will attract Honda plants. • Places that are growing will probably continue, with the reverse being true. • For the most part, it is in the hands of the community, itself. • Public library has to participate and support economic development.

16. 5. Local agencies competing for $ • Based on economy and number of palms outstretched, library will have continuing—if not escalating challenge, getting its fair share of the tax monies. • Its community role will make the difference.

17. 6. Looking for new roles • Libraries should look for new roles—not necessarily additional ones. • How about day care service? • How about being America’s literacy provider? • New roles demand new training, etc.

18. 7. Service will make the difference • Public libraries will live or die by the quality of service provided. • Public has raised expectations even with limited financial support. • And they will want relevant services. • So find out what these are.

19. 8. Don’t take relevance for granted • Public library continues to be considered relevant institution and staff is considered trustworthy, but it will continue to take daily efforts to sustain these. • Marketing continues to be misunderstood. It is a process not only items in the newspaper.

20. 9. Information everywhere • Challenge for the library is to “niche” itself for all to see. First, it has to find out how it is perceived, now. • Today, competing information resources are as close as the cell phone. • Planning for the future has become even more critical--even with diminished resources.

21. 10. Cooperation • In places where rural and urban spaces are mixed together, need for mutual dialog. • The above is very true also with other libraries [if any] and town agencies and associations. • Don’t forget about playing nice with trustees/library boards.

22. 11. Life after Bill & Melinda Gates • While the Gates Foundation continues to find ways to support the tech habit of libraries, one should not count on this for the future. • To insure support, larger units of action are necessary resulting in community technology plans with the library at the center.

23. 11. Continued… • Staff has to work together to insure that tech is applied in relevant ways or it may actually contribute to the library’s isolation. • But the staff should not be the pit crew for the Internet. • And remember that other Web sites, etc., are only a click away.

24. 12. Staff development is key • The greatest asset of the library is its staff. • Renewed effort to upgrade education and skills. • Library must budget for this. • Growing online services will help. • Don’t forget to thank volunteers.

25. 12. Continued • While thinking of staff, libraries may soon close their doors because of a lack of suitable staff. • Need to work at all levels to raise education/training, and particularly salaries.

26. 13. Keeping a smiley face • Despite challenges library community has maintained optimism. • But, in some places, the smiley faces are getting tired. • Society is fortunate that dedicated library staff, volunteers, and others involved with the library are so committed to sustainability.

27. The end • Thanks to Cindi Hickey and the State Library of Kansas, via OPAL, for the opportunity of visiting with you.