Skip to content


ALA Harris Poll: How Are We Using Libraries?

How Are We Using Libraries?

April 9, 2010: “The ALA participated in the January 2010 Harris Poll Quorum conducted by Harris Interactive. The survey was conducted by telephone within the United States between January 20 and 24, 2010 among a nationwide cross section of 1,025 adults (aged 18 and over). Eighteen questions were asked by Harris for the ALA. Top-line results are at http://www.ala.org/ala/research/librarystats/2010HarrisReport.pdf.

In addition to those summary results, more detailed results are highlighted here (15 Page PDF).”

“Two-thirds (65%) of Americans report using their public library either in person, by telephone or via computer in the past year. That’s over 151 million people using public libraries! The 2010 Harris Poll Quorum Household Survey, available on the ALA website, reveals some interesting data about library use.

Among those who have visited the library by computer in the past year, one third (35%) report increasing their public library access by computer over the past 6 months. While taking out books remains the top service library users report as a reason to visit the library in person, patrons who use the library by phone or computer report increased renewals as well as catalog and website visits.

Additionally, 62% of unemployed adults had used their library in the past year, including many who visited libraries to complete an online job application, search employment databases and create resumes.”

Stephen

0 Shares

Posted on: April 24, 2010, 4:46 pm Category: Uncategorized

0 Responses

Stay in touch with the conversation, subscribe to the RSS feed for comments on this post.