New Public Library Technology Survey report details digital equity roles – ala.org
For immediate release | July 9, 2024
Nearly half of libraries now lend internet hotspots; 95% offer digital literacy training
CHICAGO — The Public Library Association (PLA) today published the 2023 Public Library Technology Survey report. The national survey updates emerging trends around technology capacity, resources for patrons, infrastructure, digital literacy, and staffing in U.S. public libraries. This data is vital to understand how libraries serve as hubs of knowledge and innovation in our communities and continue to evolve to meet patron needs.
The report addresses questions such as: How are library professionals advancing digital equity in their communities? What types of technology devices do libraries loan to patrons, and are more or fewer libraries offering these items compared to in 2020? What are the primary challenges libraries face in providing technology resources and services?
Key findings include:
“The COVID-19 pandemic laid bare the deep digital divides that still exist in this country, and PLA’s new survey details how libraries continue to adapt and adopt technologies and services to meet evolving community needs,” said PLA President Michael Lambert. “Virtually all technology offered in the library—ranging from scanners to assistive technology for people with disabilities to smart objects that support science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) learning—increased from the 2020 survey. Local, state, and federal policy makers should invest in sustaining and expanding these vital library services to expand educational and economic opportunity for all.”
PLA invited all U.S. public library administrative entities to complete the survey in fall/winter 2023. In total, 1,511 libraries completed the survey, a response rate of 16.4%. The survey results are weighted to account for differences between responding libraries and the universe of all U.S. public libraries.
The Public Library Technology Survey was first administered in 2020. The survey is the third in a rotating series of three national surveys exploring public library roles, services, and resources to provide actionable data for decision-making and advocacy at the local, state, and national level.
Learn more about the survey results in a free webinar on July 30, 2024. Public libraries can freely access their own responses and contribute to future PLA surveys through the Benchmark platform. To read the full 2023 report and explore other PLA data resources, please visit https://www.ala.org/pla/data/plasurveys.
This week, PLA also is launching new digital literacy funding opportunities and resources for public libraries, powered by a generous $2.7 million contribution from AT&T. More information is available at https://www.ala.org/pla/initiatives/digitalliteracy/incentive.
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About the Public Library Association
The Public Library Association (PLA) is the largest association dedicated to supporting the unique and evolving needs of public library professionals. Founded in 1944, PLA serves nearly 9,000 members in public libraries large and small in communities across the United States and Canada, with a growing presence around the world. PLA strives to help its members shape the essential institution of public libraries by serving as an indispensable ally for public library leaders. For more information about PLA, contact the PLA office at 1 (800) 545-2433, ext. 5PLA, or pla@ala.org.
Contact:
Eliana Tang Kleiman
Communications Associate
Public Library Association
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225 N Michigan Ave., Ste 1300
Chicago, IL 60601
1.800.545.2433
© 1996–2024 American Library Association
This article was autogenerated from a news feed from CDO TIMES selected high quality news and research sources. There was no editorial review conducted beyond that by CDO TIMES staff. Need help with any of the topics in our articles? Schedule your free CDO TIMES Tech Navigator call today to stay ahead of the curve and gain insider advantages to propel your business!
Nearly half of libraries now lend internet hotspots; 95% offer digital literacy training
CHICAGO — The Public Library Association (PLA) today published the 2023 Public Library Technology Survey report. The national survey updates emerging trends around technology capacity, resources for patrons, infrastructure, digital literacy, and staffing in U.S. public libraries. This data is vital to understand how libraries serve as hubs of knowledge and innovation in our communities and continue to evolve to meet patron needs.
The report addresses questions such as: How are library professionals advancing digital equity in their communities? What types of technology devices do libraries loan to patrons, and are more or fewer libraries offering these items compared to in 2020? What are the primary challenges libraries face in providing technology resources and services?
Key findings include:
“The COVID-19 pandemic laid bare the deep digital divides that still exist in this country, and PLA’s new survey details how libraries continue to adapt and adopt technologies and services to meet evolving community needs,” said PLA President Michael Lambert. “Virtually all technology offered in the library—ranging from scanners to assistive technology for people with disabilities to smart objects that support science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) learning—increased from the 2020 survey. Local, state, and federal policy makers should invest in sustaining and expanding these vital library services to expand educational and economic opportunity for all.”
PLA invited all U.S. public library administrative entities to complete the survey in fall/winter 2023. In total, 1,511 libraries completed the survey, a response rate of 16.4%. The survey results are weighted to account for differences between responding libraries and the universe of all U.S. public libraries.
The Public Library Technology Survey was first administered in 2020. The survey is the third in a rotating series of three national surveys exploring public library roles, services, and resources to provide actionable data for decision-making and advocacy at the local, state, and national level.
Learn more about the survey results in a free webinar on July 30, 2024. Public libraries can freely access their own responses and contribute to future PLA surveys through the Benchmark platform. To read the full 2023 report and explore other PLA data resources, please visit https://www.ala.org/pla/data/plasurveys.
This week, PLA also is launching new digital literacy funding opportunities and resources for public libraries, powered by a generous $2.7 million contribution from AT&T. More information is available at https://www.ala.org/pla/initiatives/digitalliteracy/incentive.
#
About the Public Library Association
The Public Library Association (PLA) is the largest association dedicated to supporting the unique and evolving needs of public library professionals. Founded in 1944, PLA serves nearly 9,000 members in public libraries large and small in communities across the United States and Canada, with a growing presence around the world. PLA strives to help its members shape the essential institution of public libraries by serving as an indispensable ally for public library leaders. For more information about PLA, contact the PLA office at 1 (800) 545-2433, ext. 5PLA, or pla@ala.org.
Contact:
Eliana Tang Kleiman
Communications Associate
Public Library Association
Cite
Share This Page
Featured News
May 29, 2024
American Library Association to host Annual Conference & Exhibition, June 27-July 2 in San Diego, CA
Featured speakers include Trevor Noah, Taraji P. Henson, Ali Velshi, Max Greenfield and other high-profile authors and advocates.
press release
May 7, 2024
ALA partners with League of Women Voters to empower voters in 2024
The American Library Association and League of Women Voters today announced a new partnership to educate and empower voters in 2024.
press release
April 17, 2024
The TRANSFORMERS Are Ready to Roll Out for Library Card Sign-Up Month
The American Library Association (ALA) is teaming up with Skybound Entertainment and Hasbro to encourage people to roll out to their libraries with the TRANSFORMERS franchise, featuring Optimus Prime, as part of Library Card Sign-Up Month in September.
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ALA launches FY 2025 #FundLibraries campaign, urges Congress to fully fund key federal programs
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225 N Michigan Ave., Ste 1300
Chicago, IL 60601
1.800.545.2433
© 1996–2024 American Library Association
This article was autogenerated from a news feed from CDO TIMES selected high quality news and research sources. There was no editorial review conducted beyond that by CDO TIMES staff. Need help with any of the topics in our articles? Schedule your free CDO TIMES Tech Navigator call today to stay ahead of the curve and gain insider advantages to propel your business!
