Research Brief: Methodological Improvements to the Public Libraries Survey
This research brief describes recent methodological initiatives with the Public Libraries Survey.
Research on Motivation, Literacy and Reading Development: A Review of Best Practices
IMLS commissioned AIR to conduct a review of research literature on the effects of literacy and reading programs in public libraries.
Research Brief: Changes in Public Library Services as the COVID-19 Pandemic Continued Through FY 2021
This research brief highlights how public libraries ensured patrons continued access to library services during the pandemic through 2021.
Research Brief: Access to Public Library Services and Materials During the First Nine Months of the COVID-19 Pandemic
This research brief 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.
Public Libraries' Role in Workforce and Small Business Development: A Look Across Ten Public Library Systems
As part of the IMLS-funded Measures that Matter Initiative, the Chief Officers of State Library Agencies (COSLA), released new research examining the role U.S. public libraries play in supporting workforce and small business development.
Infographic: How Public Libraries Adapted to Serve Their Communities at the Start of the COVID-19 Pandemic
This infographic highlights strategies public libraries used to ensure patrons had access to library services as the pandemic forced closures in communities around the nation beginning in March 2020.
Characteristics of Public Libraries in the United States: Results from the FY 2019 Public Libraries Survey
This short report introduces the supplementary tables in the FY 2019 Public Libraries Survey.
The Use and Cost of Public Library Materials: Trends Before the COVID-19 Pandemic (Research Brief)
This research brief explores trends of public libraries’ physical and electronic collections expenditures and circulation between 2014 and 2018.
Public Libraries in the United States Survey: Fiscal Year 2017, Volume 2
The FY 2017 Public Libraries Survey (PLS) Report, Volume II discusses the results of our annual survey of public libraries in 50 states, the District of Columbia, and outlying territories and shows changes in how public libraries have served the community across ten years.
Rural Libraries in America: An Infographic Overview
Rural libraries serve approximately 30 million Americans, helping their communities solve persistent challenges with broadband access. This summary, and its accompanying State Data Tables, updates a 2013 IMLS report that used Public Libraries Survey (PLS) data to present analyses based on the FY 2017 PLS, with some comparisons to FY 2008.
State Detail Tables Worksheet (XLSX, 84 KB)