a in Transition

8/3/2019 a in Transition
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Running head: APPALACHIA IN TRANSTION
Appalachia in Transition: A Case Study of Public Libraries in Greenville and
Spartanburg Counties, South Carolina
Adriene Staggs
Emporia State University

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APPALACHIA IN TRANSITION
Abstract
Several studies have identified the Appalachian region as poverty-stricken, yet some areas are
experiencing economic growth. The environments of Greenville and Spartanburg Counties,
located in the Appalachian region of South Carolina, have become a mixture of urban and rural.
Based on these conflicting environments and the counties emergence into modern industries,
this case study explores the cultural, informational, and preservation needs of residents in
Greenville and Spartanburg Counties, South Carolina based on the areas designation as
transitional counties within Appalachia. Data is gathered through focus groups and interviews.
Keywords: Appalachia, Public Libraries, Greenville County, Spartanburg County

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Appalachia in Transition: A Case Study of Public Libraries in Greenville and
Spartanburg Counties, South Carolina
The poverty of Appalachia and the educational struggles of Appalachia received
widespread attention in the 1960sand 1970swith President Lyndon B. Johnsons War on
Poverty campaign. Studies, such as The Right to Read in Appalachia: An Overview of Six
Community Based Right to Read Projects conducted by C.J. Bailey, Sharon Moore, and Ann
Shelby (1974) fueled the notion that the regions people were poor and uneducated. More
recently, the Appalachian region has come to prominence through revived literary interests in the
region and documentaries such as Diane SawyersHidden America, Children of the Mountains.
Despite the passing of almost fifty years, many people still consider Appalachia a region of
poverty. While some areas of the region unquestioningly experience economic distress, much of
the region has moved into a transitional stage.
Politicians and filmmakers come and go from Appalachia. Interest in the region varies
from year to year, decade to decade. Conversely, public libraries remain a constant fixture in the
region, dedicated to serving the inhabitants. The shifting economic statuses of many
Appalachian counties have created thriving towns and cities. Public libraries located in these
areas face the unique challenge of serving both a city-oriented population and a rural-oriented
population.
Literature Review
This literature review seeks to define cultural characteristics unique to Appalachia, highlight
information needs of a rural community contrasted to an urban settlement, and emphasize the
importance of the library in the creation of Appalachian culture.

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Defining Cultural Characteristics
One aspect of this study seeks to discover if the culture of Appalachia influences the
needs of the regions patrons; however, a cultural definition of Appalachia cannot be based on
stereotypes. Many people instinctively believe Appalachians to be different from mainstream
Americans because of societys portrayal of the regions residents in television, movies and
literature. Many times people characterize Appalachians as poor, ignorant, illiterate, backwards,
old-fashioned, moon-shining, pipe smoking, banjo playing, barefooted hillbillies. However,
truly investigating the people of Appalachia reveals that the residents have a unique culture that
moves far beyond stereotypes. Appalachian scholar and resident Loyal Jones identifies ten
characteristics that define Appalachian people in his article Appalachian Values. First, Jones
(1975) names religion as a value held by mountain people to carry them through the hardships
inescapable in the region (p. 125). Next, Jones identifies individualism, self-reliance, and pride
as traits Appalachians cherish (p. 126). When settlers first came to the region, these traits were
truly needful since a lack of self-reliance led to perishing. However, as the world has changed,
Jones acknowledges, With the changing of the economy, this free man became a captive of
circumstances. But the belief in independence and self-reliance is still there, [ . . . ]. That is why
so many mountaineers are tragic figures now, bypassed by the economy, often ward of the
welfare system, but still believing in independence (Jones, 1975, p. 126). Loyal Jones further
identifies neighborliness and hospitality as important values. Fourth, family solidarity holds a
heightened position in Appalachian culture. Jones explains, Loyalty runs deep between family
members and a sense of responsibility for one another may extend to cousins, nephews, nieces,
uncles and aunts and to in-laws (1975, p. 126). Fifth Appalachians consider personalism, or
relating well with others, vital in everyday interactions. Accordingly, they tend to judge others

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on a personal basis rather than on how they look, their credentials or accomplishments (Jones ,
1975, p. 127). Next, Jones identifies love of place as a characteristic unique to Appalachians.
This means residents roots run deep. They may not live there anymore, but their mountains and
homes are never far from their mind. Modesty and being ones self also typify Appalachian
culture. People in the region readily acknowledge human imperfectability. Eighth, Jones
identifies sense of beauty as a valued trait. Although many art forms, often works tied to
necessity, of the region may seem crude to outsiders, residents find them beautiful and deserving
of respect. Humor is another Appalachian value that sustains people during hardship. Jones
writes, Our humor is tied up in our concept of man and the human condition. We see humor in
mans pretentions to power and perfection and in his inevitable failures (1975, p. 128). Finally,
Appalachian residents esteem patriotism, often relating to politicians who catch our fancy and
appear trustworthy (Jones, 1975, p. 127). These values define the Appalachian region and her
people; therefore, these same values should play a vital role in libraries situated in Appalachia.
Mark Shores (2009) highlights pertinent aspects of public library service to Appalachians
in the region and outside of the region in his article Library Service to Urban Appalachians:
Opportunities and Rewards. Shores (2009) recommendsprogramming that creates meaningful
connections to [patrons] community, educate[s] others in the community about the important
contributions Appalachians have made and highlights literary, musical, and folk artists from the
region (p. 17-18). Shores also advocates showing Appalachian people cultural sensitivity
through treating them respectfully and removing materials depicting Appalachians negatively.
Although librarians may not consider Appalachian people, especially those living in cities,
distinct from the majority population, Shoress words further confirm their unique place in
society.

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Assessing Information Needs
Shoress observations, coupled with the work of Loyal Jones, seem to reinforce the idea
that Appalachian people may require library services or library interactions not typically
requested by the mainstream public. Nonetheless, many areas of Appalachia are becoming more
modernized. Cars, computers, and other technologies shorten the distance between rural
Appalachia and thriving Appalachian metropolises. Therefore, public libraries in regions of
transition have the unique distinction of serving both a city-oriented population and a rural
oriented population. This dichotomy raises the question Do the needs of those patrons in the
less densely populated, rural areas of Greenville and Spartanburg counties differ significantly
from those in the more populated areas?
A 2004 study by Debra M. Rosser-Hogben titled Meeting the Challenge: An Overview
of the Information Needs of Rural America offers a starting point for defining those needs in
rural Appalachia that may differ from the needs of an urban environment. Rosser-Hogben
(2004) maintains that a constant trial for rural public libraries emerges as they seek to understand
how to provide its users with access to current and credible information that is growing at an
astonishing rate; how to provide Internet access to communities spread out far and wide; and
how to promote collaboration within a community in order to provide programs and services
applicable to all members of the community (2004, p. 25). She argues that the changing
environment of the rural community makes this task even more complicated. One aspect of the
changing environment is rural manufacturing; however, the use of new technologies by the
manufacturing industry continues to be more predominate in urban areas, creating a bigger
market for skilled workers in those regions( Rosser-Hogben 2004, p. 30). The city of
Greenville boasts a BMW manufacturing plant. The city of Spartanburg is home to Milliken and

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Company, described as one of the largest privately held textile and chemical manufacture in the
world (Milliken and Company, 2010). These large corporations in such close proximity to rural
areas of Greenville and Spartanburg counties make this aspect of Rosser-Hogbens study
especially relevant. Fortunately, the study also acknowledges that those businesses in rural areas
are switching over to computerized systems for their operations (p.30). Rosser-Hogben (2004)
also raises concern over the influence of outsiders, such as international corporations, passing
and controlling public policy without understanding communities needs. Other areas of concern
addressed by the study include servicing an aging population; providing a place for current
information and reliable internet access; collaborating with community leaders; programming for
children, teens, and adults; and serving everyone in the community. She concludes that rural
public libraries face the challenge of serving communities struggling to transition from a
primarily agrarian society to one that includes a variety of manufacturing and service
industries(Rosser-Hogben, 2004, p. 45). Further, librarians must examine the needs of their
clients carefully to better serve them and work to make their library a place of community.
While Debra M. Rosser-Hogbens study gives an overview of the challenges facing rural
libraries, several studies conducted through the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC)
identify specific challenges facing the region. Daniel T. Lichter, Jillian Garratt, Mary L.
Marshall, and Michael Cardellahighlight several key changes in the region in their article
Emerging Patterns of Population Redistribution and Migration in Appalachia (2005). The
authors echo Rosser-Hogbens assertion that many rural families have migrated to more
economically enticing areas. They state, Migration patterns in the Appalachian region have
clearly favored metropolitan cities and regions at the expense of smaller nonmetropolitan
counties and rural communities (Lichter, Garratt, Marshall, and Cardella, 2005. p. 4). More

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specifically, as a nonmetropolitan county in close proximity to growing metropolitan regions
areas surrounding Spartanburg, SC experienced significant population growth in the 1980s
(Lichter, Garratt, Marshall, and Cardella, 2005. p. 3). Although Lichter, Garratt, Marshall, and
Cardella (2005) do not specifically mention Spartanburg and Greenville counties again, they
contend that southern Appalachia (which includes Greenville and Spartanburg counties)
continues to experience higher population growth than central or northern Appalachia. This fact
further emphasizes public libraries responsibility to serve both the growing metropolitan
population and the remaining rural population.
The Appalachian Regional Commission also addresses some of the same technological
questions raised by Rosser-Hogben. In a study titled 2004 Update: Links to the Future: The
Role of Information and Telecommunications Technology in Appalachian Economic
Development Michael Oden and Sharon Strover (2004) build on previous studies to continue
investigating the availability of internet access in the region. They find that Internet access
across the region has increased substantially. The authors state, This report shows that
broadband access has expanded significantly in all major parts of ARC region. Especially
encouraging is the increased availability of broadband in many rural counties that previously did
not have access to this service (Oden and Strover, 2004, p. i). The fact that at least 61% of the
Appalachian area in South Carolina enjoys at least one high-speed internet provider gives further
cause for celebration (Oden and Strover, 2004, p. 18). By highlighting South Carolinas position
on the information threshold, questions concerning the information needs of Appalachian patrons
in a rapidly shifting technological environment prove even more significant.

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Preserving Heritage and Ensuring Technological Proficiency
Although the Appalachian region is facing many changes, the people of the region
continue to value their past, as evidenced through their love of place and respect for folk art
forms (Jones 1994). Even though Appalachians themselves have traditionally valued their
heritage, established institutions have not. People, such as minister Jack Weller (1993),
downgrade the population by characterizing them as dull, argumentative, egotistical,
superstitious, and whimsical. In the article Jesse Stuart and James Still: Mountain Regionalist,
Dayton Kohler (1942) argues that Appalachian authors Stuart and Still were marginalized out of
the literary cannon because they did not conform to the conventions of modern American
literature, even though the standards of the period were defined by a small, vocal minority.
Consequently, these prolific authors were, in a sense, erased from common knowledge since
educational institutions found little value in their work. Based on mainstream societys
propensity to devalue the Appalachian region and the regions own inclination to preserve their
heritage, libraries have a doubly important job.
As an institution, the library has long upheld a belief in preserving culture. Roger C.
Greer (2007) and others note, The cultural function of libraries was at the heart of the founding
of the ALA (p. 137). Greer elaborates by quoting Pierce Butlers charge to librarians:His first
duty is not to demonstrate to his readers that the pronouncements of science are true, or even
assist them in making new discoveries of fact. He must serve primarily as an archivist of culture
and aid his readers to find whatever they require as for as this has been put upon the record (p.
137) As a main tenet of library service, the need to preserve an areas heritage would appear
undebatable. However, in view of rapidly expanding technological capabilities, librarians may
unintentionally fall into the trap of focusing on the new information, giving little thought to

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cultural practices of the past. As Rosser-Hogben asserts (2004), Staying abreast of the new
information and knowledge is vital as it impacts every facet of life. There is an increasing
dependence on accurate and prompt communication and information methods (p. 32) However,
she also acknowledges, The rural library can be, and sometimes is, one of the few free, stable
conduits in the dissemination of information. Now, more than ever, libraries have the
opportunity to play a major role in the success of rural communities (Rosser-Hogben, 2004, p.
32) As a dissemination point of both past and present information, libraries must create a careful
balance of preserving a communitys heritage and enabling that community to function well in
the technological age.
Research Design
Although studies, depictions, and mainstream culture characterize Appalachians as
uneducated, poverty-stricken people, who would rather remain in the past than face modern
society, modernization and technology play a vital role in many areas of Appalachia.
Nonetheless, the region remains largely rural. Therefore, public libraries located between rural
and urban environments face the unique challenge of serving both a metropolitan population and
a rural population. Based on the assumption that librarians serving in such an area experience
tension as they try to serve a unique, underrepresented, diverse population, this study attempts to
establish needs of Greenville and Spartanburg county public library patrons specific to their
Appalachian culture, determine the differing information needs of rural populations as opposed
to metropolitan populations of the counties, and ascertain how librarians preserve the
communities Appalachian heritage while also ensuring their technological proficiency.

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Research Questions
By focusing on the transitional counties of Spartanburg and Greenville, South Carolina,
this research hopes to discover:
1. Do patrons of the Greenville and Spartanburg public county libraries havespecific cultural needs because they are part of the Appalachian region? If so, are
the librarians aware of these needs?
2. Do the needs of those patrons in the less densely populated, rural areas ofGreenville and Spartanburg counties differ significantly from those in the more
populated areas?
3. What measures are area libraries taking to ensure the preservation of theAppalachian culture while also ensuring patrons access to new technology and
tools of the twenty-first century?
Methodology
This study will be conducted under the large framework of qualitative research based on
both the assumptions inherent in the qualitative paradigm and my own strengths as a researcher.
According to John Creswells (1994) book,Research Design: Qualitative and Qualitative
Approaches, qualitative research assumes reality is subjective and multiple as seen by
participants in a study (p. 5). This study will employ many human participants, whose ideas,
feelings, and beliefs cannot be described adequately using numbers and raw data. Creswell
(1994) also maintains that values play a significant role in qualitative research, whereas
quantitative research is objective. As this study deals largely with human subjects, the goal of
total objectivity is impossible. Moreover, this study directly investigates Appalachian values, so
accurate findings using quantitative methods would prove almost impossible.

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Beck and Manuel (2008) also suggest using qualitative research when the study is
context-specific. Since this investigation must take place within the boundaries of the
Appalachia region, the qualitative method further recommends itself. More specially, this
studys focus on a specific environment suggests the implementation of a case study. Susan E.
Beck and Kate Manuel (2008) suggest using this methodology when focusing on a specific area
or environment (p. 91).
As a case study, many methods of data collection will be required in order to well-
rounded multi-dimensional view of the findings (Beck and Manuel, 2008, p. 91). Initially, I
will prepare questionnaires for patrons and information professionals at selected libraries. I
intend to spend two days at each library handing out and collecting questionnaires. These
questionnaires (See Appendix B) will serve to provide participants for focus groups and form the
basis for the questions asked in the focus groups sessions with library patrons.
Focus groups, defined by Mary Marczak and Meg Sewall (2007), consist of a group of
interacting individuals having some common interests or characteristics, brought together by a
moderator, who uses the group and its interaction as a way to gain information about a specific
or forced issue. Thomas R. Lindlof and Brian C. Taylor (2002) describe focus groups as social
laboratories used to study participants interpretations, perceptions, and personal experiences
(p.182) Additionally, Beck and Manuel (2008) note that focus group work well for researchers
conducting need assessments or analyzing a community. This study focuses largely on
determining specific needs of a community based upon participants perceptions and personal
experiences, making focus groups a viable option for gathering data. Focus groups also allow
me to gain several opinions at once, whereas collecting enough opinions using individual

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interviews with library patrons would take several months. Ideally, each focus group will consist
of between five and seven participants as recommended by Beck and Manuel (2008, p.87).
I plan to conduct six focus group sessions with patrons of the library, though this plan is
somewhat contingent on the results of the questionnaires. Based on previous literature about the
Appalachian region and the responses to initial questionnaires, I will develop a set of semi-
structured, open ended questions to discuss in the focus group sessions (See Appendix C). These
sessions are projected to last between half an hour to an hour. Two of the sessions will take
place at two different rural branch libraries in the Greenville County public library system. One
session will take place at the main branch, situated in the city of Greenville, of the Greenville
County public library system. Two rural branches of the Spartanburg County public library
system will each host a focus group session. Finally, I will conduct a focus group at the main
branch of the Spartanburg County public library system. These sessions will be audio and video
recorded in order to be transcribed.
I will also conduct guided interviews with individual librarians who meet certain criteria
and who work at the branches where the focus group sessions take place. The interview will
give me the opportunity to explore the topic in detail through the interviewees responses (Beck
and Manuel, 2008). The interview questions (See Appendix D) will be similar to those used in
the focus group sessions (See Appendix C); however, some additional questions may be derived
from the answers solicited by the focus group participants. I anticipate the interview lasting
between thirty to sixty minutes. At the completion of the interviews, the audio and video copies
of the session will be transcribed.

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Data Analysis
In order to determine whether patrons of the Greenville and Spartanburg public county
libraries have specific cultural needs because they are part of the Appalachian region, find out if
needs of those patrons in the less densely populated, rural areas of Greenville and Spartanburg
counties differ significantly from those in the more populated areas, and investigate what
measures area libraries are taking to ensure the preservation of the Appalachian culture while
also ensuring patrons access to new technology and tools of the twenty-first century, this study
will analyze data collected through focus groups and interviews.
All of the focus group sessions and interviews will be audio and video recorded. They
will then be transcribed. Analysis of the transcripts will begin with a close reading of the texts.
Based on the predetermined aims of this research, participants answers will be divided into three
categories: (1) Evidence of Appalachian characteristics, (2) Information needs of rural and urban
clients, (3)Attempts at preservation and technological proficiency. Once the answers are divided
into these large categories, they will be further subdivided through highlighting and annotating
the texts. I will divide section 1 into categories based on the ten Appalachian values cited by
Loyal Jones. I will look for instances in which these values affect library services and needs.
Section 2 will be further divided by finding examples of the needs Hesser-Brogben deems
pertinent to rural public libraries. I will note the degree of variances between the needs of rural
and public libraries. Section 3 will be classified further through dividing occurrences of aims in
preservation in comparison with aims in technological proficiency.
Population and Setting
This study will take place in the Appalachian region of South Carolina. The most current
data (2010) from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) defines Appalachia as

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a 205,000-square-mile region that follows the spine of the Appalachian
Mountains from southern New York to northern Mississippi. It includes all of
West Virginia and parts of 12 other states: Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky,
Maryland, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South
Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. Forty-two percent of the Region's population
is rural, compared with 20 percent of the national population. [ . . . ] It extends
more than 1,000 miles, from southern New York to northeastern Mississippi, and
is home to 24.8 million people (United States Government).
According to the ARC, the Appalachian area of South Carolina includes six counties: Anderson,
Cherokee, Greenville, Oconee, Pickens, and Spartanburg. This study deals specifically with
Spartanburg and Greenville counties because current and projected data gathered by the ARC
designates these counties as transitional through September 30, 2011. The ARC uses a
comparison ofeach county's averages for three economic indicatorsthree-year average
unemployment rate, per capita market income, and poverty ratewith national averages to
determine a countys economic status. ARC defines transitional counties as those transitioning
between strong and weak economies. They make up the largest economic status designation.
Transitional counties rank between the worst 25 percent and the best 25 percent of the nation's
counties (United States Government). These locations were also chosen because the cities of
Greenville and Spartanburg are located at intersections of major interstates and highways. This
has brought many large businesses, such as BMW manufacturing and Milliken & Company. The
cities locations makes the contrast between rural and city more evident within their respective
counties. For the purposes of this study, rural will be defined using the guidelines defined by the
Center for the Study of Rural Librarianship. According to these guidelines, a rural library serves

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a town of less than 25,000 individuals (as cited in Ivie, 2009). Unless otherwise stated, statistics
used to estimate population and land area are based on data gathered in 2008 by Onboard
Informatics.
Based on 2008 statistics, Spartanburg County boasts a population of 280, 738 people in
an area of 811 square miles (Onboard Informatics). The county is thirty-five percent rural. The
main branch library is located in the city of Spartanburg, which has a population of 39,584
people. According to Onboard Informatics, the city measure 19.2 square miles. I have chosen to
focus on the Spartanburg county public library branches of Landrum and Chesnee because these
locations are the most rural. Onboard Informatics places the population of Landrum at 2,615
people. The area of the town measures 2.35 square miles. Chesnee, 0.90 square miles, has a
population of 1,078 people.
Data gathered in 2008 find that Greenville County measures 790 square miles with a
population of 438,119. The county is considered seventeen percent rural. The city of Greenville
boasts a population of 59,988 people in an area of 26.1 square miles. The main branch of the
Greenville County public library system is located here. I will investigate the Greenville county
branch libraries located in Travelers Rest and Fountain Inn. Travelers Rest has 4,523 people
spread over an area of 4.40 square miles (Onboard Informatics). Fountain Inn covers 5.51 miles.
The population numbers 7,760 people (Onboard Informatics).
The participants recruited for the study will be residents of Greenville or Spartanburg
County. The librarians must meet the additional criteria of having lived and worked in the area
for at least five years because new residents are less likely to evaluate the community on its own
merit. They may evaluate the community based on their previous locations. I will use library
patrons who regularly attend their respective branches because these patrons will be most

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knowledgeable about the library services provided and have informed opinions. Further, using
only those patrons who use the library regularly will limit the studies variables. Ideally, the
focus group sessions and interviews will take place in individuals respective libraries because I
believe the participants will be more willing to respond in a convenient and familiar location.
Role of the Researcher and the Review Board
This research will be conducted within a qualitative framework, so complete objectivity
is impossible although I will take measures to verify and triangulate the data. Additionally, I
grew up in Spartanburg County and attended a four-year undergraduate institution in Greenville
County. I consider myself a resident of Appalachia. I was not a frequent visitor to the libraries
identified in this study. I will be the only researcher working on this project. Therefore, my role
in this study will include contacting each library, developing questionnaires, creating semi-
structured interview questions, conducting each focus group and interview, transcribing the
findings, and analyzing the data.
Ideally, anywhere from thirty-six to forty-eight people will participate in this study. In
order to safeguard the rights and privacy of the studys human subjects, the Institutional Review
Board (IRB) must approve this study. The risks experienced by the participants in the study are
minimal. I will explain any questions subjects have about the study and obtain their informed
consent. This consent will be thoroughly documented. I have submitted my application
(Appendix A) to the IRB and am awaiting their approval.
Time Schedule
I anticipate that this study will take a total of eleven months between approval from the
IRB and preparing the results for publication. I have included a projected timeline detailing each
month of the study.

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March: Receive final approval from the Institutional Review Board. Review
questionnaires and semi-structured interview questions.
April: Finalize questionnaires and semi-structured interview questions.
May: Contact each library and arrange a period in which to distribute questionnaires,
conduct focus group sessions, and complete interviews.
June: Distribute questionnaires at the libraries identified in this study. Conduct focus
group sessions and interviews.
July: Continue distributing questionnaires, conducting focus groups and interviews.
August: Conclude focus group sessions and interviews. Begin analysis of the collected
data.
September: Continue analysis of the collected data.
October: Further analysis of the collected data
November: Finish analyzing the collected data. Begin preparing the studys findings for
publication
December: Finish preparing the studys findings for publication
January: Revise the article. Submit the completed article for publication.
Budget
I estimate that the total costs for this study to approach $1,110.00. Some of the costs may
be deferred through grants from the South Carolina Appalachian Council of governments and/or
the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
Transportation costs account for a large portion of this budget. Travel from Emporia, KS
to Greenville, SC requires the use of an airline. As of July 8, 2010, Bing Travel, a website used
to search airline prices, estimates flights to Greenville, SC during the month of June and July

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range from $252.00 to $711.00 (Microsoft). However, this estimation is approximately six
months before the actual travel date and airline prices are subject to change. From past
experience and airline travel, I believe $500.00 will fully cover the costs of flight.
Travel, once I arrive in Greenville, SC will through means of a car. The libraries
locations require that I travel as few as thirty miles in a round trip and as many as seventy-four
miles in a round trip. However, I must visit these locations more than once. Totally, I estimate I
will travel almost 1,000 miles. The Internal Revenue Service standard mileage rates for 2010
allow for $0.50 per mile for business miles. Using this estimate, vehicle travel comes to about
$500.00.
I estimate that printing costs for questionnaires and materials such as paper will
require $110.00. As of July 8, 2010, a twenty pound box of printing paper costs about $50.00 at
Staples office supply store. I estimate copying costs to be about $0.10 a page. If I start with
three hundred questionnaires and fifty consent forms, printing and copying costs come to $35.00.
The remaining $25.00 will be used for pens and general office supplies.
Airline Travel $500.00
Car Travel $500.00
Printing and Copying Materials $110.00
Total $1110.00
Limitations
This study will be limited to the six libraries named in Spartanburg and Greenville
Counties. Although many counties in Appalachia are considered transitional, this study does not
claim to be representative of other transitional counties. This study excludes academic and
special libraries. Though the function of public, academic, and special libraries is similar, their

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purposes do vary. Investigating only public libraries limits these variables. Investigating non-
library users is a worthwhile undertaking, but this research limits participants to those who
already use the library. At this time, the resources for conducting a large scope study exploring
the attitudes of both users and non-users are unavailable.
Conclusion
People often characterize Appalachia as poverty stricken, yet the economical and
technological environment of the region continues to change. These changing times provide
public libraries many opportunities to foster their mission of providing access and safeguarding
culture. This study proposes to investigate any special cultural and information needs that may
be distinct for rural Appalachian libraries in the transitional counties of Greenville and
Spartanburg, South Carolina and determine whether these public libraries work to both preserve
culture and foster technological proficiency. I will conduct and analyze surveys, focus groups,
and interviews in both rural and urban libraries in Spartanburg and Greenville counties to answer
the questions posed by this study. Although this study limits its population to Greenville and
Spartanburg counties, my finding hold relevance for other transitional counties. If so, I
anticipate expanding my study to include other counties. In the future, I may further expand my
research to ascertain the best means of serving the transitioning Appalachian populations.

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APPALACHIA IN TRANSTION
References
Bailey, C., Moore, S., & Shelby, A. (1974). The Right to Read in Appalachia: An Overview of
Six Community Based Right to Read Projects. In Right to Read Committees (Ed.), The
Right to Read and the Nations Libraries (pp. 67-73). Chicago, IL: The American
Library Association.
Creswell, J. (1994).Research Design: Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches. Thousand
Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, Inc.
Greer, R., Grover, R., & Fowler, S. (2007).Introduction to the Library and Information
Professions. Westport, CT: Libraries Unlimited.
Internal Revenue Service of the Untied States of America (2009). IRS Announces 2010
Standard Mileage Rates. Retreived from
http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=216048,00.html
Ivie, T. (2009). Defining Rural forRural Library Research. The Idaho Librarian, 59(1).
Retrieved from http://www.idaholibraries.org/idlibrarian/index.php/idaho-
librarian/article/view/11/53
Jones, L. (1975). Appalachian Values. In J. Higgs and A. Manning (Eds.), Voices from the
Hills (pp. 125-129). New York, NY: F. Unger Publishing Company. (Reprinted from
Twigs. 1973)
Kohler, D. (1942). Jesse Stuart and James Still: Mountain Regionalist. In D. Miller, S. Hatfield,
& G. Norman (Eds.). (2005),American Vein: Critical Readings in Appalachian
Literature (p.p. 25-34). Athens, OH: Ohio University Press.
Lichter, D., Garratt, J., Marshall M., & Cardella M. (2005). Emerging Patterns of Population

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Redistribution and Migration in Appalachia. Appalachian Regional Commission.
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www.arc.gov/assets/research_reports/EmergingPatternsPopulationRedistributionand
MigrationinAppalachia1.pdf
Lindlof, T.and Taylor, B. (2002). Qualitative Communication Research Methods. (2nd ed.)
Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, Inc.
Marczak, M. and Sewall, S. (2007). Using Focus Groups for Evaluation. CYFERnet
Evaluation. The University of Arizona. Retrieved from
http://ag.arizona.edu/fcs/cyfernet/cyfar/focus.htm
Microsoft Cooperation. (2010). Bing Travel [webpage]. Retrieved from
http://www.bing.com/travel/.
Oden, M. and Strover, S. (2004). Update: Links to the Future: The Role of Information and
Telecommunications Technology in Appalachian Economic Development. Appalachian
Regional Commission. Retrieved from
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andTelecommunicationsTechnology1.pdf
Onboard Informatics. (2010). City-data.com. [webpage]. Retrieved from http://www.city-
data.com/.
Rosser-Hogben, D. (2004). Meeting the Challenge: An Overview of the Information Needs of
Rural America.Rural Libraries, 24(1), 25-49. Retrieved from Library Lit & Inf Full Text
database
Shores, M. (2009). Library Service to Urban Appalachians: Opportunities and Rewards.
Kentucky Libraries, 73(1), 16-19. Retrieved from Library Lit & Inf Full Text database

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Staples, Inc. (2010). Office Suplies, Printer Ink, Toner, Electronics, Computers. Staples.
[webpage]. Retrieved from http://www.staples.com/.
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Retrieved from www.arc.gov.
Weller, J. (1993). Yesterdays People. Lexington, KY: University Press of Kentucky.

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APPALACHIA IN TRANSITON
Appendix A
APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL TO USE HUMAN SUBJECTS
For R&G Use Only Date approved ________ Approved by
Protocol No. __________ Full Review__________ Expedited Review ________ Exempted Review ________
This application should be submitted, along with the Informed Consent Document and supplemental material, to theInstitutional Review Board for Treatment of Human Subjects, Research and Grants Center, Plumb Hall 313F,Campus Box 4003.
This form must be typed. This form is available online at www.emporia.edu/research/docs/irbapp.doc.
1. Name of Principal Investigator(s) (Individual(s) administering the procedures): Adriene Staggs
2. Departmental Affiliation: School of Library and Information Science
3. Person to whom notification should be sent: Adriene Staggs
Mailing Address: 2216 Arrowhead Dr. Emproia, KS 66801
Telephone: (864) 590-1327 Email address: astaggs@emporia.edu
4. Title of Project: Appalachia in Transition: A Case Study of Public Libraries in Greenville and SpartanburgCounties, South Carolina
5. Funding Agency (if applicable): South Carolina Appalachian Council of Government and Institute of Museumand Library Services
6. This is a: dissertation thesis Xclass project other research study
7. Time period for which you are requesting approval (maximum one year): from March 2011 toJanuary 2012. If the research project extends past the end date requested, you will need to submit a request for atime extension or an annual update. This form is available atwww.emporia.edu/research/docs/irbmod.doc.
8. Project Purpose (please be specific):
The purpose of this project is to investigate the cultural and informational needs of Appalachians living in the
transitional counties of Greenville and Spartanburg, South Carolina. Additionally, this study desires to determinehow librarians in this area both preserve heritage and promote technological proficiency.
9. Describe the proposed subjects: (age, sex, race, expected number of participants, or other specialcharacteristics, such as students in a specific class, etc.)
The subjects will be regular patrons and informational professionals of select libraries who reside in the area. Allparticipants will be over the age of eighteen. No special consideration will be given to sex or race although ideally
http://www.emporia.edu/research/docs/irbmod.dochttp://www.emporia.edu/research/docs/irbmod.dochttp://www.emporia.edu/research/docs/irbmod.dochttp://www.emporia.edu/research/docs/irbmod.doc

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the study will have a mixture of both sexes and races. I anticipate having as few as 36 participants or as many as 48participants.
10. Describe how the subjects are to be selected.If you are using archival information, you must submitdocumentation of authorization from applicable organization or entity.
Subjects will be selected through the use of a questionnaire (See Appendix B) given out at each library location.Acceptance will be based on frequency of library use, residency, and participant consent.
11. Describe in detailthe proposed procedures and benefit(s) of the project. This must be clear and detailed enoughso that the IRB can assure that the University policy relative to research with human subjects is appropriatelyimplemented. Any proposed experimental activities that are included in evaluation, research, development,demonstration, instruction, study, treatments, debriefing, questionnaires, and similar projects must be described here.Copies of questionnaires, survey instruments, or tests should be attached. (Use additional page if necessary.)
Once participants have been chosen and consented to participate, information will be gathered through individualinterviews and focus group interviews (See Appendix C and D for sample questions). The interviews and focusgroups will be semi-structured and will explore Appalachian culture, information needs, and preservation practices
in the public library. The information will then be analyzed using a series of pre-determined categories. Theparticipants identities will be known only to the researcher and not made public. Talking with participants allowsthe study to be conducted with minimal risk to the participants. Further, their views can later be used to determinehow to serve this region in the best possible manner.
12. Will questionnaires, tests, or related research instruments not explained in question #11 be used?Yes X No (If yes, attach a copy to this application.)
13. Will electrical or mechanical devices be applied to the subjects? Yes X No (If yes, attach adetailed description of the device(s) used and precautions and safeguards that will be taken.)
14. Do the benefits of the research outweigh the risks to human subjects? X Yes No (If no, thisinformation should be outlined here.)
15. Are there any possible emergencies which might arise in utilization of human subjects in this project?Yes X No (If yes, details of these emergencies should be provided here.)
16. What provisions will you take for keeping research data private/secure? (Be specificrefer to p. 3 ofGuidelines.)
The project will be explained to each participant. Participants who gives their informed consent will be allowed toparticipate in the study. Provisions will be made in the event of a participants desire to remove himself/herself
from the study. No actual names will be disclosed in the study. The researcher will use fictitious names and change
those details that may easily identify a person. The data collected from the study will be stored on a password-protected computer accessible only to the researcher.
17. Attach a copy of the informed consent document, as it will be used for your subjects.

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INVESTIGATORS ASSURANCE: I certify that the information provided in this request is complete andaccurate. I understand that as Principal Investigator I have ultimate responsibility for the protection of the rights andwelfare of human subjects and the ethical conduct of this research protocol. I agree to comply with all of ESUs
policies and procedures, as well as with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding the protection ofhuman subjects in research, including, but not limited to, the following:
The project will be performed by qualified personnel according to the research protocol, I will maintain a copy of all questionnaires, survey instruments, interview questions, data collection
instruments, and information sheets for human subjects,
I will promptly request approval from ESUs IRB if any changes are made to the research protocol, I will report any adverse events that occur during the course of conducting the research to the IRB within
10 working days of the date of occurrence.
Adriene N. Staggs
June 28, 2010Signature of Principal Investigator Date
FACULTY ADVISORS/INSTRUCTORS ASSURANCE: By my signature on this research application, Icertify that the student investigator is knowledgeable about the regulations and policies governing research withhuman subjects and has sufficient training and experience to conduct this particular study in accord with theapproved protocol. In addition,
I agree to meet with the student investigator on a regular basis to monitor study progress, Should problems arise during the course of this study, I agree to be available, personally, to supervise the
principal investigator in solving them,
I understand that as the faculty advisor/instructor on this project, I will be responsible for the performanceof this research project.
Faculty advisor/instructor on project (if applicable) Date

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Appalachia in Transition: A Case Study of Public Libraries in Greenville and Spartanburg Counties, South Carolina
Acknowledgement of Informed Consent
This study seeks to determine the cultural, information, and preservation needs of public library patrons inGreenville and Spartanburg county in relation to their position in the Appalachian region. The study will use
questionnaires, individual interviews, and focus groups to gather data. Personal information (email address,telephone number, etc.) will be known solely by the researcher. Names and identify characteristics will be deletedfrom the study.
By agreeing to participate in this study, the participant understands that information given on this date and hereafterin interviews and focus group sessions is subject to use for the purposes of this study at any time in the future. Theparticipant also understands that no compensation will be awarded based on participation.
Participants are allowed to remove themselves from the study at any time with the understanding that previouslygathered information may still be used. To be removed from the study contact the principal researcher AdrieneStaggs in writing at the address listed at the bottom of the form.
If you choose not to participate in this study, it will not affect any services received from Emporia State University,Greenville County Libraries, or Spartanburg County libraries. However, refusal to sign the authorization form doesmean that participation in the study is impossible.
This authorization meets the standards set forth by Emporia State University Institutional Review Board in an effortto protect all participants.
Additional questions or requests for information should be directed in writing to Adriene Staggs at the address listedbelow.
Sincerely,
Adriene Staggs Mirah DowPrincipal Investigator Faculty Supervisor2216 Arrowhead Drive School of Library and Information Management
Emporia, KS 66801 Emporia State University, KSastaggs@emporia.edu mdow@emporia.edu(864) 590-1327
Authorization and Consent
I have read and freely agree to the above conditions. I have had the opportunity to ask any questions, and they havebeen answered satisfactorily. I understand that additional questions about my rights as a participant may beaddressed to Adriene Staggs, her faculty supervisor, or the Institutional Review Board for Treatment of HumanSubjects, Research and Grant Center at Emporia State University.
My signature below indicates that I agree to participate in this study, am at least 18 years old, and have received a
copy of this consent form.
_____________________________Print Participants Name
______________________________ _______________________Participants Signature Date Signed
mailto:astaggs@emporia.edumailto:astaggs@emporia.edumailto:mdow@emporia.edumailto:mdow@emporia.edumailto:mdow@emporia.edumailto:astaggs@emporia.edu

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Appendix B
QuestionnaireName: ________________________________________________
Library Location:________________________________________
How long have you lived in either Greenville or Spartanburg County?0-1 years1-3 years3-5 years5-10 yearsMore than 10 years
How often do you use a public library in Greenville or Spartanburg County?FrequentlyOccasionallyRarely
How often do you use this particular public library?FrequentlyOccasionallyRarely
Do you consider Greenville or Spartanburg counties part of the Appalachian Region?YesNoNot SurePlease explain:
Do you consider Spartanburg or Greenville counties rural?YesNoNot SurePlease explain:
Do you consider the location of this library rural?YesNoNot SurePlease explain:
Would you be willing to participate in a study about the cultural, informational, and preservationneeds of people in Greenville and Spartanburg Counties?
YesNoMaybe
If yes or maybe, please enter your contact information below. This information will not be sold ordistributed.
Email:_____________________________________ Telephone:_________________________

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Appendix C
Focus Group Semi-Structured Questions:
1. ValuesWhat do you value? How do your values influence your life? Do your values make adifference when you come to the library? Why or why not?
2. Information NeedsWhat material does the library provide that are useful or helpful? Whatcould the library improve on? Do you believe the location of the library affects the services youreceive? Why or why not?
3. Do you consider yourself technologically proficient? What role do you believe libraries play inhelping patrons navigate technology? Has this library helped you to become technologicallyproficient? What way could this library further help you navigate the world of computers?
4. PreservationDo you believe the library should preserve important aspects of a communitysheritage? Why or why not? What practical role do you see this library taking to preserve thisareas heritage?

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Appendix D
Semi-Structured Interview Questions:
1. ValuesWhat do you value? How do your values influence your life? Do your values make adifference when you come to the library? Why or why not?
What do you believe are your patrons values? Do their values make a difference in their libraryexperience?
2. Information NeedsWhat materials and services do you provide to your clients? Do you provideany specific materials based on the location of the library in the community? Do you believe thelocation of the library affects the services you are able to give? Why or why not?
3. Technological ProficiencyDo you consider helping patrons to become technologicallyproficient important? How do you help patrons become technologically proficient? Do you
believe your efforts have been effective Why or why not? What hindrances do you face inhelping patrons become technologically proficient?
4. PreservationDo you believe the library should preserve important aspects of a communitysheritage? Why or why not? What practical role do you see this library taking to preserve thisareas heritage?

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