Promising Practices I
3.1 Readings
Mehra, B., & Rioux, K. (2020). Social justice in library and information science: A conceptual framework for service delivery to underserved communities. Library Trends, 69(1), 18–43. https://doi.org/10.1353/lib.2020.0021
Mehra and Rioux (2020) show a conceptual framework grounded in social justice to assist LIS professionals who are serving marginalized and underserved communities. They promote the critical roles of equity, access, and empowerment in service delivery to patrons and community members, specifically targeting those rural or low-income patrons facing transportation challenges and digital access. They further emphasize the need for LIS professionals to reduce systemic inequalities within their communities by addressing barriers to access and information equity. Their research directly impacts the Walton-DeFuniak Library and its need to function as a community hub, providing services that promote inclusion.
Lenstra, N., & Oguz, F. (2022). Understanding transportation access as a barrier to public library use: Findings from a mixed-methods study. Journal of Library Administration, 62(3), 289–306. https://doi.org/10.1080/01930826.2022.2030981
Lenstra and Oguz address how transportation access influences public library usage, particularly in rural and suburban areas. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach that combines quantitative surveys with qualitative interviews, they explore the extent to which transportation barriers affect patrons' ability to utilize library services. The findings show that limited transportation options significantly library access for certain populations, including older adults, individuals with disabilities, and low-income residents. These barriers are more common in rural areas, where public transportation infrastructure is often lacking. The study highlights that although digital access has shown more engagement, physical attendance remains necessary for many services, such as community programs and in-person assistance. The recommend several strategies for libraries to mitigate transportation-related challenges, which include implementing mobile library services, maintaining satellite branches in underserved areas, partnering with local transportation agencies to provide transportation assistance, and ensuring that digital literacy programs are provided to ensure participation in digital services is accessible.
Higgins, S. (2020). Libraries as community anchors in rural areas: A social infrastructure perspective. Public Library Quarterly, 39(4), 319–336. https://doi.org/10.1080/01616846.2020.1712742
Higgins explores the role of rural public libraries as critical components of social infrastructure, a concept popularized by sociologist Eric Klinenberg. Using this theoretical lens, Higgins argues that rural libraries are more than informational institutions—they function as community anchors that provide safe, inclusive, and accessible spaces for social connection, civic engagement, and educational support, especially in geographically isolated areas.
The article synthesizes research, case studies, and qualitative insights to show how rural libraries fill gaps in services typically provided by other public institutions, particularly in areas facing economic decline or lack of public investment. These libraries offer crucial support to marginalized and under-resourced populations, including older adults, low-income residents, and people with limited transportation.
3.2 Resources
National Rural Transit Assistance Program (RTAP)
Website: https://www.nationalrtap.org
RTAP is a federally funded program created to support rural transit systems, and its website provides training modules, toolkits, policy updates, and data visualizations on processes for improving rural transportation equity. While this program is not specific to public libraries, it provides a guide for understanding how transportation accessibility impacts equity in education, employment, and within public institutions. The website is authoritative and current, reflecting DOT-supported best practices. The program's focus on access for low-income and geographically isolated populations aligns with the demographics of the Walton-DeFuniak Library patrons. The program's focus on transportation assistance and engagement make it a valuable resource for libraries that are seeking solutions to address these specific barriers.
Programming Librarian: Enhancing Library Accessibility for Older Adults in Small and Rural Communities
This article, published by Programming Librarian (an initiative of the American Library Association), provides examples of how rural libraries can provide access to older populations, who are particularly challenged by transportation accessibility. The website contains text-based narratives, practitioner interviews, and photographs of community libraries. It also offers detailed, practical models for home delivery, mobile outreach, and partnerships with senior centers, which could have a direct impact DeFuniak Springs' community and the Walton-DeFuniak Library. The website is authoritative, and addresses community led initiatives that are beneficial for public libraries located within rural communities.
GoWal Transit – Walton County Public Transportation
Website: https://gowaltransit.com
GoWal Transit is the primary local public transportation provider for Walton County and thus directly impact those with transportation needs of community members who utilize the Walton-DeFuniak Library. The website provides schedules, maps, and descriptions of fixed routes. The website's content includes maps, route timetables, primarily targeting low-income and rural residents without reliable transportation. It does, however, offer limited transportation accessibility, with very few routes offering transportation to areas within DeFuniak Springs outside of the county courthouse. The website does lack information specifically connecting transit access to community resources like libraries. While it does provide limited transportation accessibility for patrons, it is not expansive in nature and would need expansion in order to fully accommodate the library patrons within DeFuniak Springs, Florida.
