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Bookmobiles and Outreach Services as an Integral Part of Library Service
Bookmobiles and direct-delivery outreach services are, and continue to be an integral, vital part of libraries around the country. For over 100 years bookmobiles have served rural, urban, suburban and tribal areas, bringing access to information and life-long learning resources to all classes and communities.
This resource guide provides information on bookmobile and outreach service support organizations, resources for library workers engaged in mobile and direct-delivery outreach, and historical notes on bookmobiles in the United States.
General Information
Bookmobiles and direct-delivery outreach services are, and continue to be an integral, vital part of libraries around the country. For over 100 years bookmobiles have served rural, urban, suburban and tribal areas, bringing access to information and life-long learning resources to all classes and communities. Bookmobiles are a central part of library service, and the ALA, through its Subcommittee on Bookmobiles, is firmly committed to recognizing their contribution to public life with the goal to highlight their value and extend their reach.
According to the most currently available Public Libraries Survey report from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (FY 2019), about six percent of public libraries had one or more bookmobile outlets, with a total of 671 bookmobiles delivering library services in the U.S.
Bookmobiles, in use in the United States since 1905, are just one form of mobile delivery of library services. The former IFLA Mobile Libraries Section, now part of the Public Libraries Section, investigated delivery services around the world. In a survey conducted in in 1999-2001 they offered the following options for delivery: Bicycle, Wagon, Donkey Cart, Camel, Motorbike, Boat, Helicopter, Train, and the more usual bookmobiles in the form of special trucks, vans or mini-buses.
- ALA Office for Diversity, Literacy and Outreach Services (ODLOS)supports library and information science workers in creating safe, responsible, and all-inclusive spaces that serve and represent the entire community. To accomplish this, we decenter power and privilege by facilitating conversations around access and identity as they impact the profession and those we serve.
- Association for Rural & Small Libraries (ARSL)The Association for Rural & Small Libraries, Inc. is a network of persons throughout the country dedicated to the positive growth and development of libraries. ARSL believes in the value of rural and small libraries and strives to create resources and services that address national, state, and local priorities for libraries situated in rural communities.
- Association of Bookmobile and Outreach Services (ABOS)The Association of Bookmobile and Outreach Services is comprised of libraries of all types and sizes. Library administrators, support staff, library staff, governmental officials, trustees, friends of libraries, and professionals from other fields comprise this movement.
History of Bookmobiles
The first bookmobile was a horse-drawn buggy at the Hagerstown (Md.) Public Library, now part of the Washington County Free Library, in 1905. Another form of outreach to areas, particularly rural areas, without library service were traveling libraries.
- 100 Years of BookmobilesFor the centennial of mobile library services, the ALA Office for Literacy and Outreach Services (OLOS) prepared a slide show (133 PowerPoint slides, which will open in a new window).
- History of Libraries: Mobile Libraries and BookmobilesAbout midway down the page is a brief history of bookmobiles and other mobile libraries
Resources for Bookmobiles
- Association of Bookmobiles and Outreach Services Guidelines (2004)Bookmobile guidelines written by ABOS.
- Mobile Library Guidelines (from IFLA)These guidelines have been prepared by a team from around the world and are intended to provide a basis for planning the development of a mobile library service but the end result must inevitably reflect local conditions.
- National Library Outreach DayNational Library Outreach Day (formerly National Bookmobile Day) celebrates library outreach and the dedicated library professionals who are meeting their patrons where they are. Whether it's a bookmobile stop at the local elementary school, services provided to community homes, or library pop-ups at community gatherings, these services are essential to the community.
Each year, National Library Outreach Day is celebrated on the Wednesday of National Library Week. It is coordinated by the ALA Office for Diversity, Literacy and Outreach Services (ODLOS), the Association of Bookmobile and Outreach Services (ABOS), and the Association for Rural & Small Libraries (ARSL). - Stories from the Field - ODLOS BlogThe goal of the Bookmobiles Column is to provide information, answers, successful program reviews, interviews with interesting Bookmobile staff like yourself, and any other exciting ideas or news that comes our way about Bookmobile Service.
- Bookmobiles - a WorldCat ListA collection of books on bookmobiles, primarily in the United States, that are available in libraries.
- Bookmobile Pin
Wear this eye-catching pin to show your love of the Bookmobile! An excellent way to share your support for the Bookmobile with your school, library, and community. - Handbook for Mobile Services Staff (2008)Prepared for and Includes presentations from the American Library Association Annual Conferences of 2006, 2007, and 2008.
Bookmobile Statistics
- Bookmobiles in the U.S.Figures collected from the annual Public Library Survey, conducted by IMLS.
