Examining college literacy in Appalachia: a survey of public library staff

Purpose – Research supports the need for college literacy skills for prospective and new college students. Expanding the literacy landscape to include the information needs of college-bound patrons aligns with the mission and vision of public libraries as lifelong learning institutions while supporting educational attainment and workforce development in less privileged communities. This paper reports on library staff awareness of college planning resources to provide quality services. This study may also enhance public library staff's college literacy and understanding of today's college-going population. Design/methodology/approach – An online survey questionnaire was administered in this cross-sectional study of library staff in the Southeastern United States. Findings – The findings indicate that public library staff encounter inquiries that reflect the college literacy needs of the community. These include questions from prospective students about entrance exams, financial aid and scholarships, college admissions requirements and deadlines, and options for career advancement. Respondents also emphasized meeting the academic needs of currently enrolled college students through providing support with learning management systems and proofreading assignments. Originality/value – This research serves as a starting point for understanding the demand for and awareness of college planning resources with public libraries. This work extends existing regional literature on public library services through its emphasis on Appalachia.