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

The University of Oklahoma’s Departments of Library and Information Studies, Social Work, and Education will investigate refugee services in public libraries. Data from a national survey, focus groups with library staff and refugees, and forums with library staff will determine the existence and extent of programs and services for refugees in public libraries, the accessibility of services for refugees, the needs of refugees, and the challenges of providing trauma-informed care (TIC) library services for refugees. The project will provide a deeper understanding of the status of refugee programs and services in public libraries, establish partnerships with libraries in refugee communities, and develop a nationally shared prototype of TIC programming for refugees at public libraries.