Introduction to Section Four: Sustainable Communities and the Role of the Public Library

Section Four features three case studies that provide information about programs which promote sustainable economic growth [SDG 8], advance workforce development and employment opportunities, support individual advancement and innovation [SDG 9], and support the establishment of safe and resilient communities. These SDGs are grouped together given their combined focus on building a sustainable economy rich with employment and advancement opportunities as well as innovation (Mehra, 2017; Mehra et al., 2017).

The chapters in this section operationalize significant elements of the public library – sustainable communities (PLSC) framework visualized in the introduction to the book. In Chapter 15 [“Public Libraries as Key Knowledge Infrastructure Needed to Empower Communities, Promote Economic Development, and Foster Social Justice”], Sarah E. Ryan, Sarah A. Evans, and Suliman Hawamdeh discuss the role of public libraries in the knowledge economy and their contribution to sustainable development. This chapter includes narrative on three case studies which demonstrate ways rural public libraries impact the knowledge economy.