University of Oklahoma (University of Oklahoma, School of Library and Information Studies)

The University of Oklahoma, University of North Carolina-Greensboro, and Wayne State University will perform an in-depth analysis of how small and rural public libraries support community health and wellness through public programs. The research will be used to develop and disseminate a model that will inform libraries about successful strategies and common obstacles associated with developing new health and wellness programs and how to assess and build on existing programs. By gathering data from librarians, patrons, and outside partners with whom libraries develop and implement these programs, the project team will answer the over-arching research question: How do small and rural public libraries address health and wellness through public programs?