Moving Forward
7.1 Strategic Action Plan
7.2 Projections
Based on the identified barriers and its location within a rural community, Walton-DeFuniak Library will likely continue to encounter challenges related to transportation barriers, especially those living in remote areas and the unhoused population. If unaddressed, these barriers will continue to limit equitable access to the library and its services, further marginalizing these groups.
Recommendations
Establish a mobile library program to deliver services directly to underserved neighborhoods.
Partner with local transportation and social service agencies to provide ride assistance or mobile access points.
Expand investment in digital resources and remote programming, including circulating Wi-Fi hotspots and virtual workshops.
Conduct regular community surveys to monitor access needs and adapt services accordingly.
Seek grant funding targeting rural innovation, diversity, and equity initiatives.
Addressing transportation inequities will support the library’s mission of inclusive access and position it as a cornerstone of community resilience.
References
American Library Association. (2022). Rural, Native, and Tribal Libraries of All Kinds: A Resource Guide. American Library Association.
Real, B., & Rose-Wiles, L. (2019). Rural public libraries and digital inclusion: Issues and strategies. Public Library Quarterly, 38(2), 120–135. https://doi.org/10.1080/01616846.2018.1552752