Urban Libraries Council (ULC) Releases First-Ever Library Insights Survey

From the Urban Libraries Council:

The COVID-19 pandemic immensely changed how public libraries operate and serve their communities. A new collection of data gathered by ULC establishes a better understanding of pre- and post-pandemic library services and operations.

The first-ever Library Insights Survey compiles data from 98 member libraries in the U.S. and Canada and provides a snapshot of library services and operations since the pandemic began. Here are five takeaways from the survey:

• In-person visits to libraries are gradually recovering from pandemic lows.
• eResources continue to be very popular for patrons, though average circulation dipped between 2019 and 2022.
• Post-pandemic computer usage, room reservations and wireless sessions at the library are evolving.
• Libraries are seeking to find a balance with program design and attendee demand since the pandemic.
• Surveyed libraries reported an average 8% budget increase between FY2019 and FY2022 (not adjusted for inflation).

Click here to read an overview of the survey results. “The Library Insights Survey serves as a guidepost for the resiliency of libraries and the bright spot they hold in our cities. This data demonstrates how libraries are strengthening their operations and purposefully serving their communities since the pandemic,” writes ULC President and CEO Brooks Rainwater.

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