Natural Disaster Accessibility of Small and Rural Libraries in Northwest Florida

Abstract

ABSTRACT Public libraries are critical community facilities through which librarians support their communities before, during, and after natural disasters such as hurricanes. In their disaster responses, public librarians work to effectively restore library buildings, provide library materials, and, most critically, provide services that strengthen community resiliency and sense of safety. However, a neglected aspect of disaster policy and response is the lack of documentation regarding library transportation accessibility. In this study, the researchers used geographical information systems (GIS) approaches to investigate the extent to which public libraries are sited to serve vulnerable, rural populations in Northwest Florida. Results suggest that many public library branches are inopportunely sited relative to pockets of high-need populations, indicating that disaster services may need to be offered outside of the library building or transportation options be made available to residents of disaster-prone, inaccessible areas. The study’s findings have the potential to inform library and information studies education, multidisciplinary research and policy-making, and to develop a public library disaster preparedness and response.