Recent national public library statistics in CSV format are available for download here and on the Institute of Museum & Library Services website. Historic data (FY14 and prior) and data in SAS or SPSS formats can be accessed on the IMLS website.
This data represents the national results of the annual Public Libraries Survey. The data covers all states and territories, and represents all responding administrative entities (AEs) and their corresponding outlets. Data is organized by type and fiscal year below. Each ZIP folder contains one file for administrative entities (AE) and one file for outlets. Each year also includes a Documentation & User Guide file, available for separate download below.
Note: There is a lag between data collection and publication. Currently, the latest available national data is from FY2019.
Recent summary reports using national Public Libraries Survey data, as well as recent Maryland state profiles, are available for download here and on the Institute of Museum & Library Services website. Historic reports (FY14 and prior) and profiles for all states can be accessed on the IMLS website.
IMLS Annual Reports on Public Libraries
State Profile Infographics for Maryland
In FY2017 IMLS made available an infographic and workbook presenting analyses of rural public library services and indicators. Files can be downloaded below or on the IMLS website.
A recent project, led by Southern Tier Library System, and funded by IMLS, also highlights the impact of rural libraries in the United States. The Rural Library Service & Social Wellbeing Project used a mixed-methods approach to demonstrate the impact that rural libraries have on communities. In addition to presenting case studies, the project is also developing qualitative tools for measuring outcomes and impact.
Watch a webinar discussing the project below, or find further information and resources through the Research Institute for Public Libraries blog.
