Strong support for public libraries
Previous |Next| Table of Contents
America’s public libraries continued to win the approval of the American public in 2005. A national survey conducted this spring shows that 89 percent of Americans reported being satisfied with their public libraries and fully 70 percent said they were either extremely or very satisfied—a 10 percentage point increase since 2002.
In the survey, conducted for the ALA and The Campaign for America’s Libraries by the independent KRC Research firm, 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. Libraries also reported purchasing 18 percent more audio and video materials in 2003 than 2002, while book purchases increased about 2 percent (Revised April 11, 2006).
Public library report card
Proportion of survey respondents in 2006 that said that their public library:
Is friendly__________________________ 93%
Is convenient_______________________ 93%
Provides opportunities for everyone_____ 91%
Is comfortable______________________ 91%
Is modern_________________________ 86%
Has highly skilled librarians____________ 84%
Is up to date on technology____________83%
Offers information from around the world_ 80%
All figures were up 2-6% from 2002.
|
Americans strongly support funding for public libraries, and strong majorities would like to see that funding increased. More than eight in 10 Americans (85 percent) agree their public library deserves more funding, with 58 percent saying that they strongly agree. When asked what amount should be spent on public libraries, fully 60 percent say $25 or more per person per year, an increase of nine percentage points since 2002. Per capita expenditures for public libraries in 2003, the most recent year for which there are statistics, were $29.60, with a range among states of $13.09 [Mississippi] to $53.94 [Ohio].
Next
Previous | Table of Contents
|
