Journal article
Navigating Crises: How Public Libraries Support Community Resilience in the Midwestern United States
Journal of library administration, Vol.65(6-7), pp.655-678
10/03/2025
DOI: 10.1080/01930826.2025.2518006
Abstract
Public libraries have become critical community hubs that extend beyond traditional informational roles, actively supporting community resilience in times of crisis. This study examines how public libraries in the Midwestern United States adapt and innovate their services to address economic, social, environmental, and health challenges. Based on a mixed-methods approach incorporating a survey of 415 public library directors and semi-structured interviews with 14 library directors across 10 states, the study reveals that libraries provide essential services such as job assistance, digital literacy training, emergency shelter, and public health support. These institutions play a vital role in bridging service gaps for marginalized populations, reinforcing their importance as pillars of community resilience.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Navigating Crises: How Public Libraries Support Community Resilience in the Midwestern United States
- Creators
- Iulian Vamanu - University of IowaKara Logsden - University of IowaLucie Laurian - University at Buffalo, State University of New York
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Journal of library administration, Vol.65(6-7), pp.655-678
- DOI
- 10.1080/01930826.2025.2518006
- ISSN
- 0193-0826
- eISSN
- 1540-3564
- Publisher
- Taylor & Francis
- Grant note
- University of Iowa interdisciplinary Jumpstarting Tomorrow grant: 2021-3
This project was made possible by a University of Iowa interdisciplinary Jumpstarting Tomorrow grant [2021-3].
- Language
- English
- Electronic publication date
- 06/26/2025
- Date published
- 10/03/2025
- Academic Unit
- School of Library and Information Science; Center for Social Science Innovation
- Record Identifier
- 9984843244902771
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