University of North Texas (University of North Texas, College of Information)

The University of North Texas will enhance public library services for immigrants in times of crisis, strengthen the resilience of under-resourced immigrant groups, and contribute to the overall well-being of communities through research. Using a mix of data-driven and user-study methods, the research team will investigate the information needs of immigrants in under-resourced communities in crisis; the status of public library practice regarding inclusive services for immigrants in crisis; and inclusive services that can be recommended for public libraries to address gaps in immigrants’ needs in crisis. The project will produce an online toolkit for public libraries that provides guidance on immigrant-inclusive services, replicable survey instruments, and a novel triangulation method that combines the use of data-driven methods with user studies to investigate immigrants’ information needs in crisis in under-resourced communities. The study will better prepare libraries to support immigrant communities with crisis preparedness, response, and recovery, as well as promoting community resilience.