National Center for Education Statistics, Library Statistics Program:  http://nces.ed.gov/surveys/libraries/public.asp is the single most important resource for anyone who wishes to study the culuture of rural and small libraries in the United States.  Data for the smallest library unit are provided.  NCES also provides the "Public Library Peer Comparison Tool" and the "Public Library Locator" for contrasting similarities and differences among libraries.

National Agricultural Library, Rural Information Center:  http://www.nal.usda.gov/ric/  provides information and referral services to local, tribal, state, and federal government officials; community organizations; rural electric and telephone cooperatives; libraries; businesses; and citizens working to maintain the vitality of America's rural areas.  Additionally, its services include a wide variety of links to other rural-related resouces, including the ever-interesting question "what is rural?"

Association of Rural and Small Libraries:  https://www.arsl.org was organized in 2003 and includes all types of libraries--public, school, small urban branches, special and corporate, and small academic.  The defining characteristics are a limited budget and a diverse clientele. Librarians, support staff, government officials, trustees, friends of libraries, and professionals from other fields comprise this movement.  The association's listserv, [email protected],  is available for members to discuss mutual challenges and opportunities.  Also included is a chat function enabling members to conduct their own local/regional discussions in addition to participating in national ones.

Association of Bookmobile and Outreach Services: http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/affiliates/affiliates/abos.cfm is an organization founded in 2004.  Its mission is to support and encourage government officials, library administrators, trustees, and staff in the provision of quality bookmobile and outreach services to meet diverse community information and programming needs.  The association's listserv, [email protected], is available for members to share information and colllaborate on topics of mutual interest.  Included as well is a chat functionality enabling members to discuss topics at the local or national level with their colleagues.

Rural Library Initiative:  http://www.rurallibraries.org/ is an important activity of the California State Library providing a wonderful spectrum of training activities, including webcasts and videoconferences.

American Library Association, Office for Literacy and Outreach Services:   http://www.ala.org/ala/aboutala/offices/olos/index.cfm helps to support and promote literacy and equity of information access initiatives for traditionally underserved populations. These populations include new and non-readers, people who are geographically isolated, people with disabilities, rural and urban poor people, and people generally discriminated against based on race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, language and social class.      

The Libri Foundation:  http://www.librifoundation.org  is a nationwide non-profit organization that donates new, quality hardcover children's books to small rural public libraries in the United States through its Books For Children program.

Economic Research Service, United States Department of  Agriculture:  http://www.ers.usda.gov/ is the premier American agency providing an enormous amount of data for individuals who wish to understand the factors contributing to all things that are rural.  Its publications "Rural America"  (formerly "Rural Development Perspectives) are required readings for understanding the socio-economic conditions in rural areas.

The Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, United States Department of Agriculture:  Best known as "Cooperative Extension," http://www.csrees.usda.gov/Extension/ is a vital resource in most of the counties of the United States in relation to its activities, research, and community involvement. It is also a natural ally for the local library.  Its "Journal of Extension" provides vital reading to all who are interested in the ever-changing rural environment.

The Regional Centers for Rural Develoment:  Northeast Regional Center for Rural Development, the Southern Rural Development Center, the North Central Regional Center for Rural Development, and the Western Rural Development Center comprise a vital network of institutions conducting research, providing continuing education, contributing publications, and providing other services to those interested in rural America. The Regional Centers are supported by the United States Department of Agriculture, land-grant universities, and others,

Center for Rural Pennsylvania: http://www.ruralpa.org/ ,while focusing on Pennsylvania in its role as a legislative agency  for rural policy within the  General Assembly, provides an enormous amount of information on rural issues in general, including  statistics, defintions, and a handsome array of links to other rural sites and institutions throughout the United States.  (In absolute numbers, the Keystone State comprises the largest rural population in the United States.)