PLA seeks responses to 2026 Public Library Technology Survey

CHICAGO—The Public Library Association (PLA) seeks responses to the 2026 Public Library Technology Survey. This unique national survey focuses on resources, training, staff, and funding related to technology access. This data is vital to understand how libraries serve as hubs of knowledge and innovation in our communities and continue to evolve to meet patron needs. PLA invites all public libraries to participate in this survey, which is open through December 15, 2026.

New questions this year address artificial intelligence and digital accessibility in libraries. Altogether the findings demonstrate the critical roles libraries and library workers play in bridging digital divides, as well as highlighting challenges that demand attention from policymakers, funders, and decisionmakers.

Key findings from the 2023 Technology Survey included:

• Internet Hotspots: Almost half (47%) of public libraries offered internet hotspots for checkout, an increase from 2020
• Making & Creating: 40% of public libraries have maker equipment and about 25% have digital media production equipment
• Digital Literacy: 95% of all public libraries offered some form of digital literacy programming
• Funding: more than half (52%) of public libraries applied for E-rate discounts individually or as part of a consortium

The 2026 technology survey aims to build upon these insights and provide an updated picture of the state of technology in public libraries.

“The speed of technology is not slowing down—and neither are our nation’s libraries!” said PLA President Jamar O. Rahming. “Data from this survey is essential to educating key stakeholders of this truth as we continue to confront funding threats and work to meet growing community needs related to digital and AI literacy, affordable broadband, and access to digital content.”

How to participate:

Participating in this survey is simple and open to all U.S. public libraries (administrative entities). Log in to your library’s free Benchmark account.

Please contact plabenchmark@ala.org if you require assistance in accessing your library’s Benchmark account. Additional information about the survey can be found on the PLA website. Participants will also be entered into a drawing to win group registration for a PLA webinar!

PLA will publish a freely available report on the 2026 findings within a year. Reports on previous annual survey results can be found on our website.

With your input, together we can leverage the power of data to strengthen the vital role of public libraries in bridging the digital divide and advancing technology services to meet the changing needs of patrons.