Public libraries have several options when considering statistical resources and tools to demonstrate effectiveness and value. State and national surveys capture a wide range of data, from staffing to expenditures to technology. New studies and tools help support libraries’ digital literacy efforts, illustrate local impact, and assess areas for improvement. Read more about these resources below and download a copy of this public library survey guide here.
Colorado Public Library Annual Report (PLAR) – required
WHO
The Public Library Annual Report (PLAR) is administered by the State Data Coordinator at the Library Research Service, an office of the Colorado State Library. All Colorado public libraries participate in this survey. Similar surveys are also conducted by State Data Coordinators in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and outlying areas.
WHAT
The PLAR collects a wide range of information about Colorado’s public libraries, including expenditures, staffing, circulation, reference transactions, and collection characteristics.
Colorado’s data is made available by Library Research Service via the LRS‐interactive tool. Individual library data can be viewed or multiple libraries can be compared (selected by library name, service population, or legal basis). Historical data can also be accessed and compared to the current year’s data.
In addition to being used in Colorado, the data collected also contributes to the national Public Library Survey (PLS), which is compiled and analyzed by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The PLS includes data from more than 9,000 public libraries and is available from IMLS as a data set or a statistical report.
WHEN
The PLAR is administered January through March annually. Data is published in late spring or early summer, depending on library response rate and the edit check schedule.
WHERE
The PLAR is collected online using the Counting Opinions LibPAS data management platform. A link is provided on the Library Research Service’s website during the reporting period each year.
WHY
There are several reasons to participate in the PLAR. First, the PLAR is required by Colorado law, CRS 24‐90‐109.4. Second, the data is needed to contribute to the national PLS mentioned above. Finally, the data is important to public libraries individually and collectively. The data can be shared with decision makers, stakeholders, and the public, and used by administrators to inform decision making.
Public Library Data Service Statistical Report (PLDS) – optional
WHO
The Public Library Association (PLA) conducts the Public Library Data Service Statistical Report (PLDS). Public libraries in the United States and Canada voluntarily participate in the survey.
WHAT
The PLDS began in 1988 and collects information from public libraries on “finances, library resources, annual use figures and technology.” Each year, the PLDS also includes a survey specific to an area of service or public library topic. In the past this survey has covered such topics as children’s services, public library facilities, and young adult services. The data is available for purchase through PLAmetrics, the online portal to the PLDS.
WHEN
The PLDS is conducted annually, typically at the beginning of the calendar year.
WHERE
The PLDS has been conducted entirely online since 2009. For more information, see the PLA website.
WHY
This is the only survey to regularly collect public library data from both Canada and the United States. Additionally, the special survey included each year contains an in‐depth look at specific library services or issues.
Note: All information provided is from the PLA website.
U.S. IMPACwww.ala.org/plaT Study – optional
WHO
The University of Washington (UW) Information School, with support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, administers this survey that allows public libraries to conduct their own local IMPACT Study, at their convenience, using the online Impact Survey.
WHAT
The Impact Survey is an online tool developed specifically for libraries that want to survey their community about public access technology services at the library and how to improve those services to enable better patron outcomes.
The survey collects information about how the community is using the library’s public access computers and Internet connection and how this resource has helped them. The questions cover general use, as well as use in the following areas: employment, education, eBusiness, civic engagement, eCommerce, eGovernment, health and wellness, and social inclusion. The survey also collects information about use of specific library resources, help and training at the library, satisfaction, and patron perceptions of the importance of offering public access technology.
WHEN
Anytime. According to UW researchers, “Libraries choose their survey start and stop, or fielding, dates. We recommend fielding the survey for at least 2 weeks. Smaller libraries and those with few public access computers or a limited web presence may wish to extend their fielding period to 4 weeks to encourage more responses. All libraries will have the option of extending their fielding dates to up to 6 weeks if the number of initial survey responses is unsatisfactory for your purposes.”
WHERE
The survey, instructions, and reports are on the Impact Survey website.
WHY
Conducted in 2009, the initial U.S. IMPACT Study was the first large‐scale investigation of the ways U.S. library patrons use computers and the Internet at public libraries, why they use it, and how it affects their lives. The study consisted of 4 case studies, a national telephone survey, and an online survey designed to supplement the telephone survey and ensure that public access technology users from all walks of life were represented. More than 400 libraries participated in the online survey, which yielded 45,000 responses.
The study was instrumental in providing evidence that access to the Internet at U.S. public libraries has a profound and measurable impact on individuals and communities. The study findings have helped public libraries throughout the United States advocate for funding and support of public access computing. The study’s first report, Opportunity for All: How the American Public Benefits from Internet Access at U.S. Libraries, was published in March of 2010. The study’s second report, Opportunity for All: How Library Policies and Practices Impact Public Internet Access, was released in June of 2011.
Because the patron web survey proved be such a successful tool, the University of Washington, with generous support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, has extended the benefits of the U.S. IMPACT patron web survey by making it available to all public libraries to use in their own data collection, evaluation, and advocacy efforts.
The Impact Survey is an online survey tool designed specifically for public libraries that want to better understand their communities and how people use their public technology resources and services.
Note: All information provided is from the Impact Survey and U.S. IMPACT Study websites.