How Can Rural Libraries Better Serve Farming Communities? Engaging 4-H Programs and Local Youth in Rural America

Rarely any study investigates how rural libraries can collaborate with 4-H, the largest nonprofit serving youth in rural America, to mitigate the economic downturn of the agriculture industry, tackle the resulting shortage of jobs for youth and the aging population, and alleviate the digital divide. Twelve in-depth Zoom interviews with rural librarians in Tennessee revealed their challenges related to (A) library staff, space, policies, technology, and finance, (B) community, (C) partnerships, and (D) external factors when serving farming communities. Based on a focus group with 18 youths associated with the 4-H program in Tennessee and interviews with six 4-H agents involved in training youth in rural Tennessee, we identify how their willingness, information and communication technology (ICT) skills and experience, and community engagement can address most of the above challenges. Implications are discussed at the end, including how the proposed symbiotic partnership can address challenges faced by rural America.