ARSL Research Uncovers that Approximately 40% of U.S. Public Libraries Run by Solo Library Workers

SEATTLE, WA — Over the last nine months, the Association for Rural & Small Libraries (ARSL) has been working on a national research study of “solo” libraries, which ARSL defines as a library having three or fewer full-time employees covering all open hours. This effort, funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), is the first of its kind to formally survey and uncover the unmet professional development needs of this vast segment of the national public library workforce. This research has spotlighted the fact that approximately 40% of U.S. public libraries are currently run by solo librarians.

The IMLS conducts an annual survey of public libraries in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and outlying territories. In 2024 data was collected from the approximately 9,200 public libraries, defined in the survey as either a library system or district composed of multiple branches, or a single-building library operating independently. A library is defined by the IMLS as small and/or rural by meeting at least one of the following criteria: (1) A legal service population of 25,000 or fewer, and/or (2) located 10 or more miles from an urbanized area. Based on this definition, nearly 7,600 or 83% of our nation’s public libraries are considered small and/or rural, and they are in service to over 84 million community members.

 

“We already knew that outside of their own communities, solo librarians were largely working under the radar. Now that we have the evidence to show that these key community hubs constitute a substantial portion of our nation’s public libraries, we hope they will begin receiving the support and recognition that they so desperately need and deserve.”

Kate Laughlin
Executive Director, ARSL

ARSL considers this research finding of 40% solo libraries to be a pivotal moment in our ability to shine a light on the unmet needs of these library professionals who are responsible for every aspect of running a library while having limited resources to focus on their own educational growth. This project will guide ARSL’s ability to effectively address the true obstacles to education that these professionals face each day so they can continue to develop professionally, ensuring the best possible service to their communities.

This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services [RE-259035-OLS-25].

About ARSL

The Association for Rural & Small Libraries (ARSL) is dedicated to advancing the interests of rural and small libraries by building community and providing advocacy, professional development, and networking opportunities for library professionals. Learn more at www.arsl.org.

About the Institute of Museum and Library Services

The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation's libraries and museums. We advance, support, and empower America's museums, libraries, and related organizations through grantmaking, research, and policy development. IMLS envisions a nation where individuals and communities have access to museums and libraries to learn from and be inspired by the trusted information, ideas, and stories they contain about our diverse natural and cultural heritage. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow us on Facebook and X.