Public Libraries and Technology: Beyond the Public Library Survey

Last fall the Public Library Association (PLA) administered a survey to public library staff asking for more information about technology in their libraries. This extensive survey about technology in public libraries resulted in the 2023 Public Library Technology Survey Summary Report which was published this past July. If you’re thinking, “Whoa, technology in public libraries is a huge topic,” you’re correct, and this survey covered everything from on-site technology, circulated technology, and additional technology resources to technology training for staff, technology infrastructure, digital equity planning and more! 1,511 libraries responded to the survey, a response rate of 16.4%. Larger libraries located in cities made up a disproportionately large percentage of the survey respondents, but the survey results were weighted so the data collected could more accurately reflect library needs across the nation. It’s definitely worth checking out the full report here, but if you’re short on time, you can find a snapshot of several key findings at lrs.org…

Continue reading this post on LRS.org and check out more posts on research in a library context from Library Research Service.

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