IMLS Releases Research on Library Services During the First Year of COVID-19
FY 2020 Public Libraries Survey provides insight on the changes in library services
to meet community needs during the pandemic

Washington, DC — The Institute of Museum and Library Services announced today the release of a research brief on the public library response to community needs during the first 9 months of the COVID-19 pandemic. The brief, “Access to Public Library Services and Materials During the First Nine Months of the COVID-19 Pandemic,” highlights how public libraries ensured patrons had access to library services as the pandemic forced closures in communities around the nation beginning in March 2020. This is emblematic of the significant role libraries have in their communities.

Findings from the FY 2020 PLS research include:

• While library buildings were closed to the public, 62% of libraries intentionally provided Wi-Fi internet access to users outside the buildings.

• The percentage of libraries allowing patrons to register for library cards online more than doubled to 64% during the pandemic.

• Usage of e-books and downloadable audio/video materials increased 25% from FY 2019 to FY 2020.

IMLS’s Library Search and Compare Tool includes library-level detail on COVID-related services such as whether a particular library increased continued services while closed, issued e-library cards, provided live virtual programming, or boosted wi-fi access outside of library buildings. PLS Benchmarking Tables also provide national and state-level statistics on key revenue and expenditures, workforce, collections and circulation, and services provided, including per person estimates to enable better state comparisons.

Read the PLS research brief here. You can access the Library Search and Compare Tool here.

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 libraries and museums. We advance, support, and empower America's museums, libraries, and related organizations through grantmaking, research, and policy development. IMLS envisions a nation where individuals and communities have access to museums and libraries to learn from and be inspired by the trusted information, ideas, and stories they contain about our diverse natural and cultural heritage. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.