Assessment of accessibility and equality of access in Long Island libraries from the perspective of community resilience

Abstract

Access to libraries is integral for day-to-day use and utilization as resilience hubs during times of disaster. However, challenges to library accessibility are exacerbated, particularly in low-density areas with high car dependency and limited transportation options. This study employs spatial analysis to investigate library accessibility on Long Island, NY, an area with a diverse range of population densities, with a particular emphasis on disadvantaged communities and various transportation modes (e.g., walking, public transportation, and driving). The Accessibility indicators used in this study are framed from the perspective of trip destination that resemble market/service/catchment areas or shares. This study assesses accessibility within three distinct geographical service areas: library districts, local areas (within a 3-mile buffer), and the entire Long Island region. Population coverage metric calculation, denoting the percentage of demographic segments within accessible areas concerning different geographical service areas, unveils disparities in library access. The regional analysis reveals that approximately 20% of the population can access a library within a 15-minute walking time, increasing to nearly 90% within a 60-minute walking timeframe. In contrast, 15-minute transit accessibility begins at 30% and only reaches around 70% within a 60-minute window. The Gini coefficient, employed to gauge inequality in accessibility, illustrates that “Limited English Proficiency” and “Non-White” groups consistently exhibit the highest coefficients across the population density spectrum. The analysis also shows that households relying on public transportation face unequal access to libraries. To address these disparities in library access, the study proposes solutions, such as mobile libraries, on-demand transportation shuttles, and non-point library services.