The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) sponsor surveys about libraries.
The U.S. Census Bureau acts as the collection agent for these surveys, but the data themselves are available through the sponsoring agency.
The data provided to the IMLS and the NCES are used for a wide range of purposes including research, policy development, and legislative action.
IMLSsponsored surveys
State Library Agencies Survey
Collects data from the official state library agencies charged with state-wide library development and the administration of federal funds authorized by the Library Services and Technology Act.
NCESsponsored surveys
Sponsor | Survey Title | Frequency | Contents | Coverage |
---|---|---|---|---|
Institute of Museum and Library Services | Public Libraries Survey | Annual |
-reference transactions -public service hours -circulation -library visits -size of collections -staffing -operating income and expenditures -electronic technology -number and type of library outlets |
States, DC, Territories |
State Library Agencies Survey | Annual |
-direct library services -library development services -organizational and governance structure of an agency -resources assigned to allied operations such as archives or records management -electronic networking -staffing -collections -expenditures |
States, DC | |
National Center for Education Statistics | Academic Libraries Survey | Biennial |
-reference transactions per typical week -public service hours -number of library staff -circulation -total operating expenditures -patron count -electronic services offered -services outlets -total volumes held at end of academic year |
States, DC, Territories |