“Focusing on Trends of Rural and Small Libraries” _______________________ State Library of Kansas “Focusing on Trends of Rural and Small Libraries” _______________________ State Library of Kansas Bernard Vavrek, Department of Library Science, Clarion University October 4, 2006

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

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

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

Center for the Study of Rural Librarianship (CSRL) Started in 1978 Educational, research, rah-rah Publishes “Rural Libraries” and “Bookmobiles and Outreach Services.”

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

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.”

Rural places include those that are: FarmingIndustrialRanchResortExtractiveCollege/university Seats of government New housing developments

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

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%

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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