FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

IMLS Press Contact
Mamie Bittner, 202-653-4630
mbittner@imls.gov

Washington, DC—Today, the Institute of Museum and Library Services released data files for the FY 2012 Public Library Survey (PLS), which provides statistics on the status of public libraries in the United States. The data are collected from approximately 9,000 public libraries with approximately 17,000 individual public library outlets in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and outlying territories.

Data have been collected annually since 1988 and includes information about library visits, circulation, size of collections, public service hours, staff, electronic resources, operating revenues and expenditures and number of service outlets.

These data are used by federal, state and local officials, professional associations, and local practitioners for planning, evaluation, and policy making. Researchers, journalists, the public, and policymakers at the federal, state, and local levels use this data for planning, evaluation and policy making.

IMLS will publish a report analyzing the data later this year.

The FY2012 data files and documentation are available at www.imls.gov/research/pls_data_files.aspx. 

About the Institute of Museum and Library Services
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation's 123,000 libraries and 35,000 museums. Our mission is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. Our grantmaking, policy development, and research help libraries and museums deliver valuable services that make it possible for communities and individuals to thrive. To learn more, visit http://www.imls.gov or follow @US_IMLS on Twitter.