For immediate release | August 27, 2025

PLA Releases Results from the 2024 Public Library Staff Survey

CHICAGO—The Public Library Association (PLA) today released the 2024 Public Library Staff Survey report. The survey gathered nationally representative information about staff roles and representation, hiring and retention practices, and goals and activities aimed at creating a welcoming environment for staff and community members of all backgrounds and abilities. The findings highlight both the opportunities and challenges faced by libraries.

“Staff are the beating heart of public libraries,” said PLA President Dr. Brandy McNeil, “and PLA’s mission is to make sure they are receiving all the resources they need to thrive, so that their patrons can thrive in turn. This survey is a critical tool for evaluating current staffing needs and where those needs can be better met to strengthen services for communities.”

Key findings from the 2024 Staff Survey:

Salaries for library directors and beginning librarians are not keeping pace with inflation.
Overall, 18% of all public libraries report losing staff positions in the 12 months prior to the 2024 survey, a lower percentage than in 2021 (22.6%) but one that could indicate cumulative loss over the past three years. Nearly one in three city libraries (29.1%) report losing staff positions in the past 12 months, compared to 18% of suburban libraries, and 17.1% of town/rural libraries.
Most libraries (96.4%) continue to support staff advancement within the field in one or more ways, but fewer libraries offer time or funding for professional development relative to 2021.
Compared to 2021, more public libraries have formal, written goals related to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (EDIA). However, they report engaging with fewer EDIA activities overall.

A special section of the survey focused on library accessibility also finds that over 90% of public libraries have main entrances that are accessible for individuals with disabilities, and over 80% have interior hallways and bathrooms that meet ADA standards. However, only about a third (36%) have braille signage or other assistance for low-vision individuals, and half (48.4%) have public computers with accessible technologies and software.

PLA invited all U.S. public libraries to participate, and 1,478 public libraries completed the survey, a response rate of 16%. Survey results are weighted to account for differences between responding libraries and the universe of all U.S. public libraries.

The Staff Survey was first administered in 2021, one of a rotating cycle of three national surveys. The Measurement, Evaluation, and Assessment Advisory Group worked with PLA staff to update the 2024 survey, ensuring it meets library needs for actionable data regarding staff roles and related policies.

The 2024 Public Library Staff Survey report can be found as a PDF here. Learn more about the survey results in a free webinar on September 25, 2025. You can register here.

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About the Public Library Association

The Public Library Association (PLA) is the largest association dedicated to supporting the unique and evolving needs of public library professionals. Founded in 1944, PLA serves nearly 9,000 members in public libraries large and small in communities across the United States and Canada, with a growing presence around the world. PLA strives to help its members shape the essential institution of public libraries by serving as an indispensable ally for public library leaders. For more information about PLA, contact the PLA office at 1 (800) 545-2433, ext. 5PLA, or pla@ala.org.

Contact:

Larra Clark

PLA Deputy Director

PLA

Lclark@ala.org

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