This section surveys national research of particular interest to library advocates. Reports are organized into six major categories that relate to the different uses that advocates may have for specific kinds of data and analysis. These are:

• Economic Impact
• Use and Opinion
• Educational Impact
• Arts and Culture

Coming Soon:
• Libraries and Technology
• Funding Studies

We thank and acknowledge those library professional organizations, library practitioners, and researchers who have allowed us to share their good works. Our aim is to amplify the impact
of these studies and programs and to share them as widely as possible within and beyond the
library profession.

If you have a story, link or report to suggest, please email research@actforlibraries.org.

Economic Impact

Making Cities Stronger:
Public Library Contributions to Economic Development (PDF)

Urban Libraries Council
January 2007

The Urban Libraries Council commissioned this study to look at how public libraries contribute to the human dimension of economic development. In the process, researchers also uncovered more evidence of the important contributions public libraries make to strengthening places and community quality of life. The report discusses ‘return on investment’ in terms of social value, using case study descriptions of libraries’ contributions to their communities.

Referenda Roundup 2006 (PDF)

ALA Research Department
December 2006

In its year-end assessment of funding activity across the country, ALA’s Research Department noted that there was strong library support throughout the nation. It published its findings in an article in the December 2006 issue of American Libraries, which included summaries on the status of voting referenda on 27 states; Arkansas, California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wyoming.

Public Libraries and Their Contribution Towards Economic Development:
Real or an Impossible Dream? (PDF)

2004

This paper discusses the public library’s role in society as a focal point for local economic development and references the work of Charles McClure and the FSU Information Use Management Institute.

Economic Importance of Arts and Cultural Attractions in Louisville (2000) (PDF)

by Paul A. Coomes, Ph.D.
Florida State University Information Use Management and Policy Institute

This report looks at how a city Library system compares with other cultural institutions in terms of its use and efficiency. In the comparison, the Louisville Free Public Library system showed it has very high attendance rates, and showcased its efficiency and value. It also emphasized the library’s role in fulfilling community needs which no other cultural institutions can. This study represents a unique approach to valuating libraries that complements other methods, in combination with financial valuation (which has yet to be done) could provide a very robust portrait of the library’s true value.

Use and Opinion Studies

Information searches that solve problems (PDF, 43 pp.)

Pew Internet & American Life Project /The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign GSLIS,
funded by IMLS

The results of this 'surprising' survey challenge the assumption that libraries are losing relevance in the internet age. Libraries drew visits by more than half of Americans (53%) in the past year for all kinds of purposes, and it was the young adults in tech-loving Generation Y (age 18-30) who led the pack. Compared to their elders, Gen Y members were the most likely to use libraries for problem-solving information and in general patronage for any purpose.

Furthermore, it is young adults who are the most likely to say they will use libraries in the future when they encounter problems: 40% of Gen Y said they would do that, compared with 20% of those above age 30 who say they would go to a library.

“These findings turn our thinking about libraries upside down. Librarians have been asked whether the internet makes libraries less relevant. It has not. Internet use seems to create an information hunger and it is information-savvy young people who are the most likely to visit libraries,” noted Leigh Estabrook, Dean and Professor Emerita at the University of Illinois, co-author of a report on the results.


Key Findings

• Members of Gen Y are the leading users of libraries for help solving problems and in more general patronage.

• For help with a variety of common problems, more people turn to the internet than consult experts or family members to provide information and resources.

• Internet users are much more likely to patronize libraries than non-users (61% vs. 28%).

Go to Pew's Report Summary
Go to Pew's Press Release

See also:

Generation Y Visting Libraries More Than Their Parents And Grandparents (wcsh6 Portland, 1/15/2008)
Young adults are wired into libraries, study finds (Columbus Dispatch, 1/12/2008)
The Well-Wired Use Libraries More (The New York Times via Yahoo Finance, 1/8/2008)
'Surprising' study says younger generation uses libraries most (Lowell Sun, 1/7/2008)

Public Libraries and the Internet (PDF)

Information Use Management Institute at Florida State University
September 2006

This 2006 national survey was conducted to provide current information on the status of electronic resources and information in public libraries. The study employed several approaches: 1) a national survey of public library Internet connectivity, use, services, involvement, and sustainability issues; and 2) a case site component which sought to identify successfully networked public libraries and how these libraries meet and resolve the challenges involved with maintaining, enhancing, and continually moving forward their networked services and resources. The survey received 4,818 responses for a 69.0% response rate. The cases involved site-visits, focus groups, and interviews at more than 30 libraries in five states. The study continues national surveys of public libraries and the Internet conducted by the authors since and 30 site visits to five states (Wisconsin, Massachusetts, New York, Nebraska, Texas).

Key Findings

Libraries as Community Public Access Computing and Internet Access Points

Public libraries continue to provide important public access computing and Internet access in their communities:

• 98.9% of public library branches are connected to the Internet.
• 98.4% of connected public library branches offer public Internet access.
• 36.7% of public library branches offer wireless Internet access, up from 17.9% in 2004.
• 100% of high poverty branches-those with greater than 40% poverty in the service area-are connected to the Internet and offer public Internet access.
• Public library branches have an average of 10.7 public access computers, with rural libraries having an average of 7.1 workstations and urban libraries having an average of 17.9 workstations.

(Note: the summary above was taken, in part, from the Executive Summary or Introduction of the report)

State of America’s Libraries (PDF)

American Library Association Report
May 2006

This annual report involved a national survey conducted for the ALA and The Campaign for America’s Libraries by the independent KRC Research firm.

Key Findings

• Americans named the four most important characteristics or services of public libraries as being that the services are free (79 percent), that the library “is a place where I can learn for a lifetime” (71 percent), “enhances my education” (65 percent) and “provides information for school and work” (65 percent). Moreover, three-quarters of respondents strongly agreed that because it provides free access to materials and resources, the public library plays an important role in giving everyone a chance to succeed.

• Nearly two-thirds of Americans reported owning a library card, and most continued to visit the library in person at least once a year. In fact, patrons’ use of some key library services has increased significantly since 2002: 81 percent of library visitors say they take out books (up 14 percentage points from 2002), 54 percent say they consult the librarian (up 7 points), 38 percent say they take out CDs, videos, or computer software (up 13 points) and 22 percent say they go to the library to attend a special program (up 8 points).

• Overall circulation of library materials increased 3.5 percent in 2003, the most recent year for which statistics are available. In the same time period, use of electronic resources increased about 13.4 percent.
Americans appreciate libraries and librarians. Eighty-nine percent of Americans surveyed early this year reported being satisfied with their public libraries. Most agree that public libraries are under-funded and need more support.

• Libraries are keeping up with the times-and with the public’s needs. In the past 10 years, libraries across the country have achieved a major success in connectivity; today, virtually all public libraries in the United States offer public access to the Internet.

• Despite uncertain funding at the state level, increased demand for the services provided by libraries and strong local support meant that almost 200 public-library building projects were completed in 2005. Many libraries redesigned spaces in order to create new environments for learning, information retrieval and community activities. However, many communities experienced cutbacks in library budgets, and two libraries briefly closed their doors-a troubling development for many Americans.

(Note: the summary above was taken, in part, from the Executive Summary or Introduction of the report.)

Funding Issues in U.S. Public Libraries, Fiscal Years 2003–2006 (PDF)

ALA Office for Research and Statistics
March 2006

This report is notable for its assessment of funding flow variations in public libraries across the country using Federal-State Cooperative Statistics (FSCS) data. It provides an important look at what is happening regionally in a time when there is a growing need to paint a national portrait of the funding climate public libraries face.

Key Findings

• An average of 16.9% of libraries responding indicated mid-year revenue reductions for the fiscal years studied.
• Concerns about funding reductions were reflected in the responses from public libraries serving populations below 25,000 and above 500,000. There clearly were differences in funding changes, with little relief anticipated for our smallest public libraries in the West and Midwest.
• 48% experienced reductions in fiscal year 2003, 35.8% in fiscal year 2004, and 34.5% in fiscal year 2005.
• Nearly 20% of Northeast libraries indicated budget reductions in fiscal year 2004, up from 12% in fiscal year 2003.

(Note: the summary above was taken, in part, from the Executive Summary or Introduction of the report.)

Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources (PDF)

The Online Computer Library Consortium (OCLC)
December 2005

A very influential report, this study demonstrated how library and information science could benefit by studying human perceptions and decision making processes to inform product development. The survey explored electronic library user's resource preferences, their relationship to the physical library, trust and reliability of electronic information, knowledge of electronic resource offerings, and “library brand” issues. The survey target audience was college age students age 16–25. Results reported 3,348 subjects completed the 83 question survey, which is unusual for its length; 20,000 online survey takers responded with open-ended comments, from over six countries. Subject areas covered in questions were; search engines, libraries, bookstores, online libraries, online bookstores, and differences in perceived value between free and fee-based information.

Public Library Use in Pennsylvania: Identifying Uses, Benefits, and Impacts (1998)

by Prof. Charles R. McClure, John Carlo Bertot, Ph.D.,
Florida State University Information Use Management and Policy Institute

This statewide study focused on identifying and describing users of public libraries in Pennsylvania, their uses of public library resources and services, the benefits and impacts that result from such use, and the role of public libraries in supporting economic development at both the local and statewide levels. The methodology used was a combination of user surveys, site visits, and logs of selected significant user benefits and impacts. In summary, the study found that benefits and impacts include libraries’ contribution to the economic productivity of the local community and state, and improvements to the cultural and educational environment; most significantly, Pennsylvania public libraries provide these and other benefits with extremely limited resources.

(Note: the summary above was taken, in part, from the Executive Summary or Introduction of the report.)

Educational Impact

Education Issues 2007 (PDF)

Educational Testing Service, Princeton, NJ

This briefing book on education issues seeks to present useful information to elected and appointed officials at the local, state and federal levels. It offers a balanced picture of three critical education issues:

accountability and the role of assessments in providing a window into the performance of our schools
schools' ability to attract and retain highly qualified teachers progress in closing the education achievement gap.

(Note: the summary above was taken, in part, from the Executive Summary or Introduction of the report)

ETS Report on Student Information and Communication Technology Literacy 2006 (PDF)

Educational Testing Service, Princeton, NJ

The ETS recently developed a new test for high school students to assess their Information and Communication Technology skills. This report summarizes the findings of the instruments use to date, which appraises their ability to use digital technology, communication tools and networks appropriately to solve information problems in order to function in an information society.

(Note: the summary above was taken, in part, from the Executive Summary or Introduction of the report)

Charting the Landscape, Mapping New Paths;
Museums, Libraries and K-12 Learning (2005) (PDF)

IMLS

The Institute of Museum and Library Services hosted “Charting the Landscape, Mapping New Paths; Museums, Libraries and K–12 Learning” a conference examining the intersections of museums, libraries, and K–12 education. One of the goals of the conference was to strengthen the presence of libraries and museums at the policy-making level when K–12 educational priorities and policies are considered at the national, state, and local levels. The report captures key issues that emerged at the workshop and provides some common language around a vision for how museum/school/library partnerships can contribute to a learning society.

(Note: the summary above was taken, in part, from the Executive Summary or Introduction of the report)

Arts and Culture

WebWise Conference Agenda:
Unlocking Collections (2006) (PDF)

IMLS

The WebWise conference is a signature initiative of the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services. Each year it brings together representatives of museums, libraries, archives, systems science, education, and other fields interested in the future of high quality online content for inquiry and learning. The conference highlights recent research and innovations in digital technology, explores their potential impacts on library and museum services, and promotes effective museum and library practices in the digital environment. It also provides recipients of IMLS technology-based grants the opportunity to showcase exemplary projects.

(Note: the summary above was taken, in part, from the Executive Summary or Introduction of the report)

Partnerships for Free Choice Learning:
Public Libraries, Museums and Public Broadcasters Working Together

2003

A research project supported by IMLS, this report explores partnerships among cultural and educational institutions engaged in informal lifelong learning. It summarizes the findings of surveys and field research into partnerships among libraries, museums, and public broadcaster

Economic Importance of Arts and Cultural Attractions in Louisville (2000) (PDF)

by Paul A. Coomes, Ph.D.
Florida State University Information Use Management and Policy Institute

This report looks at how a city Library system compares with other cultural institutions in terms of its use and efficiency. In the comparison, the Louisville Free Public Library system showed it has very high attendance rates, and showcased its efficiency and value. It also emphasized the library’s role in fulfilling community needs which no other cultural institutions can. This study represents a unique approach to valuating libraries that complements other methods, in combination with financial valuation (which has yet to be done) could provide a very robust portrait of the library’s true value.