The Public Library Association (PLA) has published the 2023 Public Library Technology Survey report, offering critical insights into the technological capacities, resources, and challenges faced by public libraries across the United States. The national survey reveals emerging trends and underscores the evolving role of libraries as essential hubs of digital equity and innovation within communities.
The report explores several pivotal questions, including how library professionals are advancing digital equity, the types of technology devices available for patron loan, and the primary obstacles libraries face in providing technology services. Key findings from the 2023 survey include:
• Internet Access: Nearly half of the libraries (46.9%) now offer hotspots for checkout, marking a significant increase of 14.4% from 2020.
• Digital Media: Around 24.6% of libraries have digital media production equipment, and 39.5% have maker production equipment.
• Digital Literacy: An impressive 95.3% of public libraries provide formal or informal digital literacy training, with nearly 30% offering a digital navigator program to assist patrons.
• Digital Equity Coalitions: Almost one in five libraries (19.7%) participate in digital equity or inclusion coalitions at various levels.
• E-Content: A vast majority (95%) of libraries offer e-books and e-audiobooks, while 57.5% provide streaming and downloadable media.
• Federal Funding: Approximately 52% of libraries applied for the E-rate program individually or as part of a consortium, highlighting the importance of federal support for library technology needs.
• Subscription Costs: The primary factor affecting libraries' ability to offer digital content is subscription costs or payment terms, cited by 85.7% of libraries.
The 2023 survey invited participation from all U.S. public library administrative entities during fall/winter 2023, with a total of 1,511 libraries responding, resulting in a response rate of 16.4%. The survey results are weighted to ensure they accurately represent the entire spectrum of U.S. public libraries.
First administered in 2020, the Public Library Technology Survey is part of a rotating series of three national surveys designed to explore the roles, services, and resources of public libraries. This data provides valuable insights for decision-making and advocacy at local, state, and national levels.
To delve deeper into the survey results, PLA is hosting a free webinar on July 30, 2024. Public libraries can access their responses and contribute to future surveys via the Benchmark platform. The full 2023 report and other PLA data resources are available at PLA Surveys.
Additionally, PLA 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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