PLDS Report highlights key YA statistics

Contact: Kathleen Hughes


PLA, Manager of Publications


312-280-4028


khughes@ala.org
For Immediate Release


August 14, 2007



PLDS Report highlights key YA statistics

CHICAGO – The Public Library Association’s (PLA) 2007 Public Library Data Service (PLDS) Statistical Report presents timely and topical data to provide public library administrators with the necessary information to make informed management decisions. Published annually, the PLDS Statistical Report is compiled from voluntary surveys sent to public libraries. In 2007, 904 public libraries responded to the PLDS survey.

The 2007 PLDS Statistical Report included a special section on young adult library services. Some findings in this special section include:

  • Young adults comprise an average of 11.28% of a public library’s service area;
  • About half of all libraries surveyed have at least one full-time equivalent (FTE) librarian dedicated to young adult services;
  • As a portion of total material expenditures, libraries in service areas with higher density of young adults tend to direct less funding to young adult services, when compared with service areas of lower young adult density.

In addition to the PLDS Statistical Report, a full dataset from the 2007 PLDS survey is available though online subscription, which allows users to create customized reports and datasets. To order a copy of the PLDS Statistical Report, or a subscription to the online database, please obtain an order form at
www.pla.org, under “Publications and Reports.” Order forms must be faxed to the PLA office at (312) 280-5029.

Discounts are available for American Library Association (ALA) and PLA members. Subscribers to the PLDS Statistical Report standing order plan do not need to reorder. Please contact the ALA Store (1-866-746-7252) with questions regarding standing orders. Past editions of the PLDS Statistical Report may be ordered by calling the ALA Store (1-866-746-7252). For more information on PLA Publications, contact the PLA office at 800-545-2433, ext. 5PLA, or visit PLA’s Web site at
www.pla.org.

PLA is a division of the American Library Association. PLA’s core purpose is to strengthen public libraries and their contribution to the communities they serve. Its mission is to enhance the development and effectiveness of public library staff and public library services.