Ciptro Handrianto, Ridha Husnul Hayati, Irmawita Irmawita, Ahmad Jazimin Jusoh, Ary Kiswanto Kenedi
Objective: This study investigated how community libraries in West Sumatra contribute to youth agency development and influence social mobility among rural youth. It also examined the key factors mediating the relationship between library engagement and social mobility. Method: The study used a convergent parallel mixed-methods design. The data were collected from 150 youth participants (aged 15-24) across five community libraries in West Sumatra Province, Indonesia, through surveys and conducted semistructured interviews with 25 youth and ten library staff. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. Result: The results of this study showed that the library program participation significantly predicted youth agency (p = 0.56, p < 0.001) and showed a positive correlation with perceived social mobility (r = 0.49, p < 0.001). Youth agency emerged as a significant mediator between library engagement and social mobility (p = 0.40, p < 0.001). Qualitative findings revealed that structured programs and leadership opportunities were crucial in developing youth agencies and facilitating access to educational and career advancement opportunities. Conclusions: According to the findings, it can be concluded that the potential of community libraries played significant roles as catalysts for social transformation in underserved communities, suggesting the need for sustained investment in library programs and resources to promote youth empowerment and social mobility. © (2025), (Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina), All Rights Reserved.
Universitas Negeri Padang, Department of Nonformal Education, Faculty of Education, Padang, Indonesia; Sultan Idris Education University, Department of Psychology and Counseling, Faculty of Human Development, Tanjong Malim, Malaysia; Universitas Samudra, Department of Primary School Teacher Education, Faculty of Education, Langsa, Indonesia
