This research brief describes recent methodological initiatives with the Public Libraries Survey. It describes how starting with the 2022 data, Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) updated geographic identifiers to better align Census Bureau geography types with the library's legal service area, with the goal of enabling data users to…

Background and Context: Computational thinking (CT) is an essential skill for all youth to succeed in our technology and information-rich world. While CT has a growing presence within K-12 classrooms, libraries play an essential role in introducing these critical skills to all. Objective: Assessing learning in libraries is difficult given their…

This study aimed to develop and pilot a questionnaire to determine the ways in which working in a UK public library system can impact the well-being of those deployed in the sector. The methodological framework was based on an approach used to evaluate the well-being of patients in a clinical setting. Based on the responses of 466 employees, the…

The study is an evaluation of an employability training programme provided by Inverclyde Libraries in West Central Scotland and the role of information literacy within the training programme. Inverclyde is an area with high unemployment and pockets of multiple deprivation. Modern, applicable skills are also lacking. The findings are based on…

Debates typically invoke an image of individuals arguing over the merits of opposing viewpoints. However, the term has a softer, more deliberative sense that connotes reflection, discussion, and consideration. The 2009 WebWise conference, titled "Digital Debates," was conducted in this spirit, with panelists and attendees engaged in…

As published critics of Hennen's American Public Library Ratings (HAPLR), the authors propose a new ranking system that focuses more transparently on ranking libraries based on their performance. These annual rankings are intended to contribute to self-evaluation and peer comparison, prompt questions about the statistics and how to improve them,…

In this article, the author shares her experience during her practicum for her master's in library science wherein she had the opportunity to work in a school library that was moving toward combining with a local branch of a public library. Combining the public and school libraries meant integrating these two related yet distinct missions, or at…

This article is based on a collaborative evaluation of the implementation of a Libraries and Knowledge Centre (LKC) model in three remote Indigenous communities in the Northern Territory. It outlines the context in which LKC services are being implemented, provides a brief description of the LKC model, and discusses some strengths of the model to…

This study of library resources was undertaken as a part of a statewide plan for higher education in Texas. The document includes descriptions of library facilities and resources at the University of Texas at Austin, other universities, and public and private junior and senior colleges. The public library network, health science libraries, law…

The Palm Beach County Library System is evaluated for its program to date and for its existing public library resources in the County. Population trends are examined and a realistic program for the development of library services over a six-year period is recommended. The estimated costs for implementation of these recommendations are outlined in…

This commentary is taken from speeches and discussions at (1) Meeting on New York State Library Development, Albany, March 3, 1967, (2) Annual System Conference, Lake Minnewaska, March 30-April 1, 1967, and (3) Meeting of School Librarians and Administrators, New York City, May 15, 1967. Discussions cover the methodology and findings of the…

ALTHOUGH IT EMPHASIZES ACADEMIC LIBRARIES, THIS STUDY ALSO INCLUDES THE NATIONAL AND PROVINCIAL LIBRARIES, LARGE PUBLIC LIBRARIES, AND SPECIAL LIBRARIES THAT SERVE CANADIAN SCHOLARS, STUDENTS, AND RESEARCH WORKERS. WITH THE DATA OBTAINED FROM A QUESTIONNAIRE ON LIBRARY STATISTICS AND HOLDINGS, VISITS TO THE LIBRARIES, INTERVIEWS WITH LIBRARIANS…

The purpose of the survey was to discover how to offer the best library service to all residents in the county with the most efficient use of funds. The survey involved the following aspects: (1) legal structure, (2) fiscal structure, (3) administration, (4) standards of public library service, (5) standards of physical facilities, (6)…

More significant public library measurements and standards, and better and prompter statistics on which to base them, are needed. Suggestions for developing new standards are given. (Author/JS)

This statistical account is based on 1974 public library annual report data. Summary tables list the means, medians and percentile points for the following ten indicators: (1) total municipal appropriation per capita, (2) total annual income per capita, (3) salaries as percentage of total expenditure, (4) materials expenditure per capita, (5)…