CIRCL is a think tank by, for, and of the rural library community and aligned partners. It is a coordinated network developing participatory research, policy recommendations, and culturally-responsive advocacy strategies to amplify rural libraries and promote sustainable rural librarianship.
Our Guiding Principles
CIRCL Marshalls the global to support the local. Locally develop solutions are best, as they know their community and culture. CIRCL will provide guidance and resources, but only in true partnership with local communities.
CIRCLÂ builds through partnerships. Where great partners exist in a region or an area, CIRCL will promote and support. Where there are gaps, CIRCL will work with partners to build. In all settings CIRCL will listen, identify trends, and share them widely.
Compassionate rigor is at the heart of the work. While CIRCL will have clear advocacy work, it is based on rigorous research which will also yield actionable policy (local, regional, national). This research is objective or unbiased, but intellectually honest that is created with communities and takes into account their values.