The University of Tennessee

University of Tennessee will explore the role rural public libraries in the Appalachian region play in small business economic development. During the project, the university will collect quantitative and qualitative feedback based on the needs, expectations, and experiences of small businesses and rural public libraries in the state. Products will include initial work plans and a prototype of a Public Library Small Business Toolkit that could strengthen collaborations between various stakeholders. It will serve as a pilot experience, which can expand to the entire Appalachian region and other rural environments using similar strategies.