Public Libraries in an Age of Financial Complexity: Toward Enhancing Community Financial Literacy

Abstract

AbstractThis report describes several linked empirical studies that examine the activities of public libraries in increasing the financial literacy of their service population. A qualitative field study examines librarians’ perceptions of the challenges in offering information and services in this domain; a second set of interviews centers on the perceptions of six “partners,” individuals and organizations that work with libraries to offer programs and services. Next, we report the results of a survey of the financial literacy programs and services offered by a sample of public libraries, including the priority audiences and topics of those programs and services. Finally, we discuss an analysis of the finance-related hyperlinks contained on a sample of public library websites. We discuss the implications of our findings for public librarians as well as the organizations that produce content designed to improve financial literacy. Only by understanding the reasons why these gaps in financial literacy exist...