U.S. Library Data: IMLS Releases Preview of 24th Annual (FY 2011) Public Library Survey

The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) has released a preview (summary and data) of the FY 2011 Public Library Survey.

Fast Facts

FY 2011 Highlights/Fast Facts (1 page; PDF)
Document is also embedded at the bottom of this post
Some of What You’ll Find:

• In fiscal year 2011 (FY 2011), there were 8,956 public libraries in the United States, which served 299.9 million people (95.3% of the US population)

• There were 1.53 billion in-person visits to public libraries, the equivalent to more than 4.2 million visits each day (not including virtual visits)

• Attendance at public library programs increased for the eighth year with 89 million people attending 3.81 million programs

• There were 341.5 million usage sessions on public access Internet computers at public libraries, a decrease of 7.2% since FY 2006.

• There were 3.8 million programs offered at public libraries, an increase of 46.7% since FY 2004. Most programs (70.0%) were targeted to children.

• There were 261,413 public access Internet computers available at public libraries throughout the United States a 1-year increase of 6.8% and 10-year increase of 86.2%

• Public libraries have seen a decrease in the number of full-time equivalent (FTE) staff since the recession. There were 137,103 FTE staff – 11.4 FTEs per 25,000 people. This is a decrease of 5.5% since FY 2008.

• The number of public librarians has remained stable over 10 years, averaging 4.0 public librarians per 25,000 people. Librarians comprise one-third of the overall public library staff.

State Data

51 State (and D.C.) Profiles (Select from Map) or Download All Profiles (PDF)

Data Tables (PDF)

• Number and Percentage of Libraries by Select Characteristics

• Public Library Services and Resources

• Public Library Staffing

• Public Library Revenue and Expenses

• Size of Public Libraries

• State Ranking Tables

Downloadable Data

• Data files available in .csv, .xls, flat file, and SAS formats

IMLS FY 2011 Public Library Survey Fast Facts/Highlights

Filed under: Data Files, Libraries, News, Profiles, Public Libraries