Supporting Social Connectedness of Older Adults during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Role of Small and Rural Public Libraries

This article presents a national study of how small and rural public libraries supported social connectedness among older adults in the United States during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Results suggest that small and rural libraries employed five approaches to stay connected with older adults. Results further show that small and rural public libraries see establishing stronger inter-organizational partnerships with other institutions that serve older adults as a top priority. These results suggest a need for bolstering continuing education and professional opportunities focused on embedding public librarians more firmly into the broader field of practice of supporting aging in America. [GRAPHICS]