A final report submitted to Chief Officers of State Library Agencies (COSLA) and Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS)

In October 2022, the Chief Officers of State Library Agencies (COSLA), released new research examining the role U.S. public libraries play in supporting workforce and small business development. The work originated from a partnership between IMLS and COSLA begun in 2016 and known as Measures that Matter (MtM). The initiative, in part, included funding to conduct new research about the role that public libraries play in supporting workforce development within their communities. This research included a literature review, a theory of change about libraries and workforce development, and ten case studies of U.S. library systems engaged in workforce activities.

The overall goal of the research design was to better describe the approaches libraries take to direct and administer workforce opportunities, the ways each library organizes its efforts relative to other leading workforce development organizations within their communities, and how libraries measure outcomes of this type of work. The literature review and case studies revealed significant variations in approaches to and influence of library contributions to the workforce ecosystem. It concluded with new hypothesis for IMLS or others to consider for future research.