The association for rural & small libraries (arsl) will deepen the field's understanding of the challenges faced by solo librarians in order to create tailored continuing education opportunities

The Association for Rural & Small Libraries Inc. received a $149,842 Project Grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) under the Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program (CFDA 45.313), effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2027. The project will deepen understanding of challenges faced by solo librarians through a systematic landscape review, including focus groups and a comprehensive nationwide survey. ARSL will disseminate findings via open-access publications, presentations to key library organizations, and ongoing discussions within the ARSL Solo Librarian Networking Group to ensure broad dissemination across the profession.

The primary deliverable is a comprehensive report utilizing survey data to guide library support organizations in developing targeted professional development and educational programs for solo librarians and those working with limited support. This effort aligns with the Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program's core mission of recruiting, developing, and retaining library professionals while building institutional capacity. The initiative will benefit solo librarians, their communities, and the broader library profession by addressing a critical gap in workforce development and professional support for underserved library professionals.

Key activities include conducting focus groups with solo librarians to gather input and designing and deploying a comprehensive nationwide survey. Based on this formal landscape review, arsl will disseminate the results through an open-access publication, provide presentations to key library organizations, and host ongoing discussions with the arsl solo librarian networking group. The survey data will be used to produce a comprehensive report to guide library support organizations in developing targeted, effective programs that ensure access to PD and educational opportunities for library staff working solo or with limited support. This effort will benefit solo librarians, their communities, and the broader library profession.