Reference and User Services Association announces Financial Literacy Education: Guidelines and Best Practices for Service

CHICAGO — The Reference & User Services Association (RUSA), with the support of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), announces Financial Literacy Education in Libraries: Guidelines and Best Practices for Service. These guidelines and best practices relating to financial literacy education (FLE) in libraries are the result of a SPARKS! Grant awarded to RUSA by IMLS.

The purpose of these guidelines and best practices is to facilitate the provision of financial literacy education in libraries nationwide. It is intended that these will standardize the content and delivery of financial literacy education programming and services in libraries. This project demonstrates a commitment to ensure that patrons in libraries of all types have access to effective and efficient personal finance reference services and unbiased financial educational programming.

The development of Financial Literacy Education: Guidelines and Best Practices for Services was in response to the growing need and demand for high-quality references services and programming in the areas of personal finance, investing and other aspects of financial literacy. Management of personal finances requires a diverse range of information to ensure safe, unbiased and successful earning, borrowing, saving, investing, spending and protecting against risk. As with other literacies, libraries are uniquely qualified to address this informational need.   

In 2015, a five-part, introductory webinar series will be offered targeting librarians building their own financial literacy education programs. In addition, RUSA will also host a series of three hour-long librarian-training webinars on FLE topics to be offered three to four times a year. The webinars will offer the opportunity to share popular, well tested program models, identify the elements of successful financial literacy programs and explore how to implement the new Guidelines and Best Practices.

RUSA is the foremost organization of reference and information professionals who make the connections between people and the information sources, services, and collection materials they need. Check out the division’s upcoming activities and important, ongoing work in the library community at www.ala.org/rusa.