Louisiana State University, A&M

Louisiana State University's School of Information Studies investigates the facilitators and barriers within rural librarianship across Louisiana. This research will address three primary questions: (1) How do rural librarians in Louisiana perceive and assess the value of their libraries' services to their communities? (2) In what ways does rurality impact the challenges and opportunities faced by rural librarians in Louisiana? (3) How do rural librarians sustain the impact of their libraries? To investigate these questions, the project will employ a qualitative research design, utilizing in-depth, semi-structured interviews with rural librarians across the state. The anticipated outcomes include a more nuanced understanding of rural librarians' roles as changemakers, a framework for sustainable collaboration through a network, actionable recommendations to strengthen rural libraries in Louisiana and beyond, as well as contributions to the academic discourse through peer-reviewed manuscripts and conference presentations. This research will serve as a model for national efforts to support rural libraries, ensuring their continued role as indispensable community resources for future generations.