Welcome to Library Research Service

LRS thoughtfully collects, analyzes, and distributes data that is relevant and actionable to Colorado communities and empowers library staff to do the same.

The Public Library Blueprints

A person taking an online survey

Accessible Survey Design

An accessible survey is key to ensuring the data collected is representative of all the communities a library serves.

Diverging Bar Charts for Connected Collections

An introduction to diverging bar charts alongside a look at Colorado public libraries’ use of interlibrary loans.

See the full blog series: The Public Library Blueprints

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

BETWEEN A GRAPH AND A HARD PLACE

silhouette of sign posts

Directions for Research Design: Mixed Methods

Explore three different research design paths that use both qualitative and quantitative data to answer your questions.

black cat with open book

Pouncing on Prejudice: Mitigating Assumptions and Bias in Research

Prevent bias from entering your research by keeping these tips and tricks in mind.

See the full blog series: Between a Graph and a Hard Place

QUICK LINKS

PUBLIC LIBRARY ANNUAL REPORT

Information and Help
GO TO THE SURVEY
Survey Data

LIBRARY USER SURVEYS

Comprehensive Guide

DART: Reference Tracker

Go to DART

Connect to Health Cohort Resources

Participant survey

LATEST FAST FACTS

Thumbnail of larger infographic

PUBLIC LIBRARIES IN COLORADO

  • Public libraries: 112
  • K-12 public school libraries: 1,119
  • Public college and university libraries: 33

Sources: 2022 Public Library Annual Report (PLAR), Colorado Department of Education (CDE), 2021 Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)

FAST FACTS

In 2023, Library Jobline saw slightly less job postings and new users than 2022, but job salaries were higher on average.
May 20, 2024

2023 Library Jobline Fast Facts

In 2023, Library Jobline saw slightly less job postings and new users than 2022, but job salaries were higher on average.

CLOSER LOOK STUDIES

Thumbnail of 2022 patron satisfactory report cover
August 4, 2023

Colorado Talking Book Library Patron Satisfaction Survey Report, 2022

Results from the 2022 Colorado Talking Book Library (CTBL) patron survey are in!

THE LRS NUMBER

Padlock and chain around group of books
April 3, 2023

Libraries Faced a Flood of Challenges to Books and Materials in 2022

Stay informed about the latest number of reported book challenges and the implications behind increasing challenges.

QUOTABLE FACTS

Quotable Facts 2023 thumbnail image
October 6, 2023

2022 Quotable Facts Resources

The 2022 Quotable Facts details quick facts about Colorado’s public libraries.