Data that could be directly identified with one individual (salaries and wages for librarians for a library with one librarian, for example) are removed.Ī small proportion of the data that has been collected are in restricted-use data files, which contain individually identifiable information, which is confidential and protected by law. Survey data are coded or aggregated without individually identifiable information. Public-use data files are publicly available without restriction, and do not require a license. These files have had some data removed to protect the confidentiality of individually identifiable survey respondents. The data files available on our web site are public-use data files. Download the datasets in multiple formats below, or use our online Library Search & Compare tool to find a library and browse the latest available data. Use: PLS data are useful to researchers, journalists, the public, local practitioners, and policymakers at the federal, state, and local levels, and are used for planning, evaluation, and policy making. State Data Coordinators collect the requested data from local public libraries and report these data to us via a web-based reporting system. Methods: At the state level, PLS is administered by Data Coordinators, appointed by the chief officer of the state library agency from each state or outlying area. Learn more about PLS data element definitions.įrequency: Collected annually since 1988. Purpose: The survey provides statistics on the status of public libraries in the United States.Ĭoverage: The data are collected from approximately 9,000 public libraries with approximately 17,000 individual public library outlets (main libraries, branches, and bookmobiles) in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and outlying territories.Ĭontent: Data includes information about library visits, circulation, size of collections, public service hours, staffing, electronic resources, operating revenues and expenditures and number of service outlets. Browse research briefs and over 25 years of research publications about the Public Libraries Survey (PLS). These data, supplied annually by public libraries across the country, provide information that policymakers and practitioners can use to make informed decisions about the support and strategic management of libraries. The Public Libraries Survey (PLS) examines when, where, and how library services are changing to meet the needs of the public.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |