June 2023
Seven years of data showcasing this program’s success
Public
U.S. Public Libraries and the Use of Web Technologies, 2012
November 2013
This report presents the results of the third iteration of the biennial study, U.S. Public Libraries and the Use of Web Technologies. The Library Research Service launched this study in 2008 with the intent to document the use of various web technologies on the websites of public libraries throughout the nation. From its inception, it […]
The Public Computer Centers Project: Coloradans Benefit From Access and Training
January 2013
Since the spring of 2011, Coloradans of varying ages and stages—in communities large and small across the state—have been taking advantage of the opportunity to use 88 Public Computer Centers (PCCs), free of charge, individually during open access time as well as by taking computer classes. Located primarily in public libraries (or other public spaces […]
2011 AskColorado and AskAcademic Evaluation
June 2012
AskColorado (www.askcolorado.org), a statewide virtual reference service, was launched on September 2, 2003. Colorado libraries joined the cooperative as members to provide 24/7 chat reference service to Coloradans (see Figure 1 for a timeline of the service). Early iterations of the service included queues for K-12 students, general audiences, academic patrons, and Spanish speakers. Over […]
What is the Value of an MLIS to You?
In 2008, LRS conducted the 60-Second Survey What is the Value of an MLIS to You?. It was inspired by heated discussions on the Colorado library listserv Libnet about the value of the MLIS degree. The passion, urgency, and breadth of opinions expressed by Colorado librarians on the subject prompted LRS to provide a forum […]
U.S. Public Libraries and the Use of Web Technologies, 2010
April 2011
It’s well known that technology is changing at an increasingly rapid pace and that many public libraries throughout the United States are attempting to adopt new technologies to better reach their patrons. In trade journals, blogs, and at library conferences, professionals in the field have continually discussed the best methods for using web technologies to […]
The Impact of the Recession on Public Library Use in Colorado
March 2011
Coloradans are continuing to experience tough economic times as they recover from the latest recession. In the absence of consumer confidence and aggressive investment in the private sector, spending and associated tax revenues are also down. This, in turn, is putting extraordinary pressure on the public sector at state and local levels. City councils, county […]
U.S. Public Libraries and the Use of Web Technologies
October 2009
The use of interactive web technologies on public library web sites in the United States has been a topic of much discussion in recent years, and a shift in certain types of user services is underway. Terms like “Web 2.0” and even “Library 2.0” have become common in library literature and at conferences as those […]
Public Libraries – A Wise Investment: A Return on Investment Study of Colorado Libraries
March 2009
In spring 2006, a need was identified in Colorado to describe the variety of benefits delivered by public libraries to their patrons and to quantify the return on investment to taxpayers for monies invested in public libraries. To provide this data, the Library Research Service (LRS) undertook What’s It Worth to You? A Return on […]
Early Literacy Programs and Practices at Colorado Public Libraries
October 2006
In efforts to help young children aged birth through six prepare to read, public libraries across the nation are stepping to the fore with new or enhanced early literacy programs and services. Early literacy – as used in this report – defines what children know about reading and writing before they can actually read and […]