RUSA Financial Literacy Education in Libraries: Guidelines and Best Practices for Service
Published in 2014 as 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. The guidelines were developed by a team of librarians working under an advisory board comprised of financial literacy experts. The guidelines do not include specific programming content or ideas, instead they outline best practices and provide a conceptual framework for library programming, organized around five areas:
- Earning
- Borrowing & Credit
- Saving & Investing
- Spending
- Protecting Against Risk
The document also includes an annotated resource list and glossary.
- Access the guidelines: Financial Literacy Education in Libraries: Guidelines and Best Practices for Service
- Read the RUSQ article describing the purpose and creation of the guidelines: "From Committees of RUSA: Meeting the Need for Library-based Financial Literacy Education"
Financial Literacy Education Standards
Reading & Training for Librarians
- CFPB Librarian TrainingWebinars from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau covering financial education topics and how to discuss them with patrons.
- Money Matters ProOnline training developed by the New York Public Library to help librarians learn financial concepts and resources.
- Smart investing@your library Staff TrainingWebinars, online courses, and assessment tools for staff and collections.
Rainy Day Ready: Financial Literacy Programs and Tools by ISBN: 9780838946312Publication Date: 2019-12-06
The Library's Role in Supporting Financial Literacy for Patrons by ISBN: 9781442265912Publication Date: 2016-05-20
- Faulkner, A. (2017). Financial Literacy Education in the United States: Library Programming versus Popular Personal Finance Literature. Reference & User Services Quarterly, 56(2), 116-125. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.5860/rusq.56n2.116
Programming Ideas & Content
- Community Partnership Guidebook (CFPB)A guide from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau for libraries to use on building community partnerships.
- Financial Literacy for Children (ALA)This guide was created by the ALA Office of Research & Evaluation, and funded by the FINRA Investor Education Foundation.
- Money Smart (FDIC)A comprehensive financial education curriculum designed to help low and moderate income individuals outside the financial mainstream enhance their financial skills and create positive banking relationships. Produced by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).
- Money Smart WeekMoney Smart Week helps consumers manage their personal finances better. Programs are offered to all demographics and income levels, and cover all facets of personal finance.
- NEFE InitiativesEducational resources and initiatives from the National Endowment for Financial Education.
- Next Gen Personal FinanceOur mission is that every U.S. high school student will graduate having taken a one-semester course in personal finance by 2030.
- Program Ideas from (CFPB)Ideas and materials for the patrons who use your library.
- Promotional Materials (CFPB)Bookmarks, fliers, posters, and screensavers promoting library services and resources.
- Smart investing@your libraryModels, resources, and grants to help libraries design programs, train staff, and reach out to community partners.
- Your Life, Your Money (PBS)Lesson plans and activities from PBS, targeted at grades 11 & 12, as well as adult learners.
