From Committees of RUSA: Meeting the Need for Library-based Financial Literacy Education

Abstract

T he economic recession and resulting increased demand for help from libraries have raised awareness of the nationwide need for basic financial literacy education. Libraries, traditionally accepted as sources of free, unbiased information resources, are the ideal community institution to meet the demand for financial literacy education services and programming. In order to do this, library staff need financial literacy skills, as well as knowledge of reliable, accurate personal finance resources. Development of national guidelines for financial literacy in libraries provides library staff with an authoritative central resource to help meet this need. The following white paper details the creation of Financial Literacy Education in Libraries: Guidelines and Best Practices for Service , which can be accessed from the RUSA website at www.ala.org/rusa/resources/guidelines .