Results from a special survey recently conducted by the State Library of Iowa indicate that the national trend holds true for Iowa as well: public library use is up.
Libraries reported that library visits are up 6.86 percent, checkouts are up 5.97 percent, and computer use is up 7.64 percent for the final two quarters of 2008, compared to the same period in 2007. While statistics of Iowa public library use generally go up each year, the increases shown in the recent special survey are especially significant because they exceed all annual increases over the past five years.
The State Library surveyed 50 public libraries, representing more than half of the population of Iowa. Forty-two libraries – serving 1.6 million people – responded. Library directors were asked to report on the number of people visiting the library, the number of library items checked out, and the number of computer users from July-December 2007 and July-December 2008.
The 42 responding libraries reported 441,102 more checkouts in the second half of 2008. They also reported 285,985 more library visits for the same six-month period. This averages to more than 1,500 additional library visitors per day and more than 2,400 additional checkouts per day from July through December 2008.
“Libraries report that more people use the library to search for jobs online, to write resumes, and to fill out application forms. Some families are discontinuing their home internet service or magazine subscriptions, and using the services at their local libraries. Librarians report to us that library program attendance is up, too,” said State Librarian Mary Wegner.
Wegner continued, “Today’s libraries provide Iowans with internet connectivity, career development, homework assistance and childhood literacy – in addition to books and movies. Libraries are proving to be great partners in helping local governments address community needs. The annual cost to the Iowa hometown taxpayer for access to this wide range of public library resources is less than $30. In good times or bad, libraries are a great value.”
Visit the State Library’s Web site for a chart of the survey statistics. There is also a statistical history on the use of Iowa Public Libraries over the past 10 years.