Joplin Community Analysis

Using the data provided by the 2014 Joplin Public Library Community Analysis from the University of Missouri, the information can be used in the creation of the library’s collection development.The purpose of the report is to determine the needs of the city and its residents.

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Community Characteristics, Economic, Educational, and Diversity

Joplin’s community statistics show the two biggest types of households in Joplin are married and people living alone.The households in Joplin, Missouri are largely low-income.The median household income is $36,000, with 18% of the 12,000 households in Joplin earning less than $15,000 a year.Married family homes with children have a median household income of $41,126.

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According to the data included in the report, the 2012 American Community Survey by American Fact Finder, shows there were 10,655 children under 18 in the community, with 7,962 enrolled in school.The number of children and teens in Joplin are divided into three categories: 0-6 years old (39.9%), 6-11 years old (33.9%), and 12-17 years old (26.2%).An important statistic to consider, in the population of children and teens 18 years and younger, “38.9% are living in households with Supplemental Security Income (SSI), cash public assistance income, or Food Stamps/SNAP benefits,” with nearly 30% living below the poverty level.Of the students who attend East Middle School, 70% of the students receive free or reduced lunch, and most do not have a reliable access to the Internet.Many of these students return to an empty home after school.

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According to 2012 diversity data from diversitydatakids.org, 78% of children and teens from Joplin are white, followed by 10.8% Hispanic, 4.8% two or more races, 2% Asian/Pacific Islander, 1.8% American Indian/Alaska Native, 1.8% Black.

In 2012, seniors 65 years and older, made up 14.4% of the Joplin population.Community diversity for this age group consists of 95% of the population being white.According to the U.S. Census Bureau, cited in the survey, the high percentage in the marital status survey for seniors are 53% are married with 30% widowed.The group showed an increased demand for “food assistance, affordable housing and transportation.”Although 85.9% of this group are no longer in the work force, only 12.4% fell below the poverty line, with 7.8% receiving food stamps/SNAP benefits.The percentage of the senior population considered disabled is 37.3%.Many of the disabled are homebound. The community’s Meals on Wheels program serves approximately 600 people.Technology access is also limited for this age bracket. According to an AAA statistic, only 12% of seniors have Internet at home.

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Informational Needs and Community Requirements

Most surveyed for had a common request for computer and Internet/Wi-Fi access, tutoring and homework help, college and career information.

Children of all backgrounds were surveyed in Joplin. Respondents stated that they needed help with homework, and school readiness.They wanted non-fiction resources and STEM programming.

Teens respondents responded with internet access; homework, GED, college, and career help; and more teen materials.Both children and teens stated they wanted assistance with transportation, socialization (programs and events), and students who live just outside the district asked for access to library cards.

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Students and teachers surveyed requested quiet study rooms equipped with white boards, electric outlets, and Wi-Fi.Outreach programs to the schools.Test preparation for high school equivalency exams.

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Parents wanted resources to ‘supplement their children’s education,’ and to cover topics ‘such as gun safety and sexual education.’Parents and caregivers expressed a desire to learn how they could help their children access the library’s resources.The survey showed the need for more parenting resources, activity stations for interacting with children, and family story time.

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In a survey of senior citizens, 65 years and older, the age group requested computer classes. The Joplin Senior Center had to discontinue computer classes due to budget cuts.Many of the seniors have an increased number of age related disabilities such as vision, hearing and mobility problems.Seniors require large print and audio books, low vision readers, and handicap accessible computer desks and restrooms.  Homebound patrons need home delivery.Seniors located out of the district asked for access to library cards where the cost is lowered or subsidized through another agency.Informational needs include healthcare information, newspapers, and magazines. Since majority of this group do not have Internet at home, seniors need access to the Internet at their local library. Seniors requested programs that allow them to see movies and play games with peers, and health screening workshops.

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Community Recommendations

Throughout the analysis of the Joplin Public Library Community Analysis, there are common requirements many of the diverse groups listed for their public library.  The most requested informational needs:

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• Handicap accessibility

• Assistive devices

• Delivery System

• Library Instruction

• Access to tutoring, GED, and career training

• College and career help

• Resume and interviewing workshops

• Computer and Internet/Wi-Fi

• Computer classes

• Healthcare and lifestyle workshops

• Family programming

• Access to new nonfiction print materials

• Tutoring and homework help

• Classes that emphasize literacy and STEM

• Out of district users want access to library cards

To encourage literacy, the Joplin Public Library participates in Reading Matters by Bright Futures.  The initiative inspires parents to read to their children, aged from birth to five years old. To encourage adult literacy, the library should collaborate with other community organizations such as Neighborhood Adult Literacy Action (NALA) and Missouri Adult Education and Literacy.

Data analysis shows that a large percentage of children in Joplin, are latch-key children, with unreliable Internet access.  The district has implemented a “21st Century Learning Center” initiative, where electronic resources are strongly encouraged and non-fiction collections are being replaced with electronic versions.  Under this initiative, high school students are being given laptops and sixth through eighth grade students are being given iPads.  Due to the electronic and Internet dependent curriculum, the library will continue to see an increase in demand for Internet and Wi-Fi. After school tutoring and recreational activities where children can with their parents’ consent, choose to be taken to the library after school.  The library can provide programs that correlate with the Joplin Public Schools college, career, and technology focused curriculum.

The research shows there are a number of working poor in the community, where teens are encouraged to bring home a paycheck, rather than concentrate on their education.  These nontraditional students need tutoring, and help with taking the equivalency exam for high school.  These teens also require assistance reentering school or finding technical training. 

Job seekers in the community, according to the Joplin Prosperity Initiative show that majority of the job seekers lack soft skills, life skills, and basic academic skills that employers are looking acquire in their employees. 

A large portion of senior citizens has age related disabilities that require the library to provide assistive devices, with areas and services that are wheelchair accessible. Seniors, who are homebound without access to transportation, would benefit from book delivery.  A service could be implemented through a volunteer service.

The library can collaborate and become a point of contact for both non-profit and for profit organizations that provide free education and assistance in healthcare, arts, education, literacy, and business.  Many have programs tailored to children and senior citizens.

The analysis provides statistical data that is important to the development of the library’s collection development.  The school system in Joplin has become technology dependent, but research shows that the community has a large percentage of children in school that have no reliable Internet.  The library needs to be a place for students to both have access to reliable Internet, but also have the print resource that students can use at home.   The collection develop topics should include, healthcare and lifestyle, resume and interview building skills, test preparation materials, and new fiction material for all ages to encourage literacy skills.

Reference

V., D., S., B., M., T., . . . D. (2014, January). Joplin Public Library Community Analysis. Retrieved September, 2018.