American Library Association
@ your library: Attitudes Toward Public Libraries Survey 2006 1000 Interviews with Adults Nationwide, Ages 18 or Older
Estimated Margin of Error: +/-3.1% (T) = Trend from 2002 * indicates less than 0.5%
January 2006
USAGE I am going to asking some questions about public libraries. 1. (T) First, do you have a library card? Overall 2006 63 37 *
Yes No Don’t know/refused (VOLUNTEERED)
2.
(T) Now, think about how many times during the past YEAR have you visited the public library or used public library services. How many times have you visited or used the public library _________: a. In person Overall 2006 29 12 16 9 32 3
One to five times Six to ten times Eleven to twenty-five times Over twenty-five times Not at all Don’t know/refused (VOLUNTEERED)
b. By telephone Overall 2006 12 4 2 1 80 1
One to five times Six to ten times Eleven to twenty-five times Over twenty-five times Not at all Don’t know/refused (VOLUNTEERED)
c. By computer Overall 2006 12 5 5 2 74 2
One to five times Six to ten times Eleven to twenty-five times Over twenty-five times Not at all Don’t know/refused (VOLUNTEERED)
IF HAVE NOT VISTED THE LIBRARY IN ANY WAY IN THE LAST YEAR, GO TO Q7 ASK Q3 ONLY IF VISTED PUBLIC LIBRARY IN PERSON IN THE PAST YEAR (Q2a > 0)
3.
When you have used the public library in person in the past year, which of the following services did you use? How about _________? Percent saying “yes” a. b. c. d. e. f. g. (T) Take out books (e-books or book on paper or tape) (T) Use reference materials, like the encyclopedia (T) Consult the librarian (T) Read newspapers or magazines (T) Connect to the internet (T) Take out CDs, videos, or computer software (T) Hear a speaker, see a movie, or attend a special program h. (T) Take a class or workshop i. Check email1 j. Use a computer to see what the library has available2 k. Use a computer to write a paper or prepare a resume3 Overall 2006 81 45 54 36 29 38 22 9 13 50 22
1 2
Question added in 2006 survey Question added in 2006 survey 3 Question added in 2006 survey
ASK Q4 ONLY IF USED PUBLIC LIBRARY BY TELEPHONE OR BY COMPUTER IN THE PAST YEAR (Q2b and/or Q2c > 0)
4.
When you have used the public library by telephone or computer during the past year, which of the following services did you use? How about _________?
Percent saying “yes” a. b. c. d. Renewed borrowed items4 (T) Consulted the librarian for help (T) Checked the library’s computerized catalog (T) Used other resources on the library’s web page
Overall 2006 41 48 45 32
ASK Q5 AND Q6 ONLY IF USED PUBLIC LIBRARY IN PERSON, BY TELEPHONE OR BY COMPUTER IN THE PAST YEAR (Q2a, 2b and/or Q2c > 0)
5.
(T) Again, thinking back over the last year, which one of the following did you most use the public library for: Rank ordered by 2002 Educational purposes (for homework or to take a class) Entertainment Information on health issues U.S. or local news or information Travel or vacation information To conduct a job search or write a resume Financial or investment news or information International news or information To look for information on starting or running a business Meet up with friends5 Check out/Read books6 Use the computer for email/internet7 Other (VOLUNTEERED; specify________________) Don’t know/refused (VOLUNTEERED) Overall 2006 32 26 6 5 3 5 3 2 2 2 5 1 2 6
4 5
Question added in 2006 survey Response added in 2006 survey 6 Response added in 2006 survey – from “other category” 7 Response added in 2006 survey – from “other category”
6.
(T) And, which one did you use the public library for second most often: Rank ordered by 2002 Entertainment Educational purposes (for homework or to take a class) Travel or vacation information U.S. or local news or information Information on health issues International news or information Financial or investment news or information To conduct a job search or write a resume To look for information on starting or running a business Meet up with friends8 Check out/Read books9 Use the computer for email/internet10 Other (VOLUNTEERED; specify________________) Don’t know/refused (VOLUNTEERED) Overall 2006 14 15 6 8 6 3 3 4 2 4 3 1 4 26
Again, thinking back over the last year, which one of the following did you most/second most use the public library for: Rank ordered by 2002 Educational purposes (for homework or to take a class) Entertainment Travel or vacation information Information on health issues U.S. or local news or information Financial or investment news or information International news or information To conduct a job search or write a resume To look for information on starting or running a business Meet up with friends11 Check out/Read books12 Use the computer for email/internet13 Other (VOLUNTEERED; specify________________) Don’t know/refused (VOLUNTEERED) Overall 2006 46 40 9 12 12 7 5 9 4 6 7 1 6 5
8 9
Response added in 2006 survey Response added in 2006 survey – from “other category” 10 Response added in 2006 survey – from “other category” 11 Response added in 2006 survey 12 Response added in 2006 survey – from “other category” 13 Response added in 2006 survey – from “other category”
RESUME ASKING ALL
7.
(T) Overall, thinking of your public library, based on what you know or have heard or read, how satisfied are you with your public library – extremely satisfied, very satisfied, somewhat satisfied, only a little satisfied, or not at all satisfied? Overall 2006 26 44 18 3 2 6
Extremely satisfied Very satisfied Somewhat satisfied Only a little satisfied Not at all satisfied Don’t know/refused (VOLUNTEERED)
CHILD USAGE Now, let me ask you something slightly different. 8. (T) Do you have any children under the age of 18 currently living in your household?14 Overall 2006 35 65 0
Yes No Don’t know/refused (VOLUNTEERED)
ASK ONLY IF YES IN Q8:
SKIP TO Q14 SKIP TO Q14
9.
(T) Which of the following age groups does/do your child(ren) fall into? (MULTIPLE RESPONSES ACCEPTED) Overall 2006 27 31 38 45 1
Under age 3 Age 3 to 6 Age 6 to 11 Age 12 to 17 Don’t know/refused (VOLUNTEERED)
Question changed from: “Are you the parent or legal guardian of any children under the age of 18 currently living in your household?”
14
ASK ONLY IF YES IN Q8:
10.
(T) Do you ever visit the library with your child? Overall 2006 65 35 0
Yes No Don’t know/refused (VOLUNTEERED)
ASK ONLY IF YES IN Q10:
11.
Which of the following are the most important reasons that you personally take your child(ren) to your public library? [MULTIPLE RESPONSES ACCEPTED] Overall 2006 68 41 23 21 12 2 0
I can check out books, movies and music for free The library gives us something to do together The library has great programs and services The library is a good place to complete homework The library has free Internet access Other (VOLUNTEERED; specify________________) Don’t know/refused (VOLUNTEERED)
ASK ONLY IF YES IN Q10:
12.
And, which of the following things, if any, do your children do at the public library? Please indicate all that apply. [MULTIPLE RESPONSES] Overall 2006 79 44 44 34 27 23 19 2 1
Check out books Do research for school/get homework help Read for fun Check out movies Attend story-hour, other kids’ programs Use the computer/Internet Check out CDs Other (VOLUNTEERED; specify________________) Don’t know/refused (VOLUNTEERED)
VALUE PROPOSITION Now, let me ask you something slightly different. 13. (T) Overall, how would you rank the benefits of the public library compared to the benefits of other tax-supported services, such as schools, parks and roads? Would you say [READ]: Overall 2006 36 53 8 3
At the top of the list In the middle At the bottom Don’t know/refused (VOLUNTEERED)
14.
(T) And, how would you rank the value of librarians in public libraries compared to the value of other professionals in your community? Would you say [READ]: Overall 2006 32 57 8 3
At the top of the list In the middle At the bottom Don’t know/refused (VOLUNTEERED)
15. Now, let me read you some ways in which public libraries may be valuable or beneficial to different people. For each one, please tell me how important that characteristic or service is to you personally – very important, somewhat important, not too important or not important at all.
(PROMPT-- RE-READ PROMPT AFTER EVERY FEW QUESTIONS: Is that very important, somewhat important, not too important or not important at all to you personally?) (READ AND RANDOMIZE:)
Very important a. Services are free b. Provided information for school and work c. Provides accurate and upto-date health information d. Provides accurate and upto-date financial information e. Is a source of cultural programs and activities f. Is a place where I can learn for a lifetime 79
Somewhat important 16
Not too important 2
Not important at all 2
DK refused 1
NET Important 95
NET Not Important 4
65
21
4
7
2
87
11
52
31
7
7
4
82
14
38
37
10
9
7
74
19
47
35
9
7
3
82
16
71
23
2
3
1
94
5
g. Serves as a community center h. Helps in finding a job i. Helps in starting a business Provides computer access, training and support
53
29
9
7
3
81
16
36
29
13
16
6
65
29
29
32
14
16
8
62
31
j.
46
29
9
10
5
76
19
k. Enhances my education
65
22
4
6
2
88
10
16.
Please tell me if you agree or disagree with each of the following statements.
[IF AGREE/DISAGREE: Do you strongly or somewhat agree/disagree with that statement?] (READ AND RANDOMIZE:)
Strongly agree a. The public library is important to my family’s education b. The library improves the quality of life in our community c. My public library deserves more funding d. Because it provides free access to materials and resources, the public library plays an important role in giving everyone a chance to succeed e. Because it provides free information regarding local, state and federal elections, the library is critical to our democracy 62
Somewhat agree 28
Somewhat disagree 5
Strongly disagree 2
DK refused 3
NET Agree 90
NET Disagree 8
68
26
3
2
2
93
5
58
27
6
3
6
85
9
75
21
1
1
2
96
3
52
33
8
4
4
85
11
ECONOMIC PROPOSITION 17. (T) Communities in the U.S. spend anywhere from less than five dollars per person on public libraries to more than one hundred dollars per person. What do you think should be spent in your community?
READ AND ROTATE START POINT OF RESPONSE SET:
100 dollars or more 81 to 100 dollars 61 to 80 dollars 41 to 60 dollars 26 to 40 dollars 1 to 25 dollars Zero or nothing Don’t know/refused (VOLUNTEERED)
Overall 2006 19 9 6 18 8 19 3 18
18.
On a scale from 0 to 10, where a 0 is “not at all supportive” and a 10 is “very supportive,” how supportive are you personally of increasing public funding for the public library in your community? Overall 2006 47 21 15 7 6 4 68 13
Very supportive (8,9,10) Somewhat supportive (6-7) Neutral (5) Not too supportive (3-4) Not at all supportive (0-2) Don’t know/refused (VOLUNTEERED) TOTAL SUPPORTIVE TOTAL NOT SUPPORTIVE
19.
Now, let me read you some possible economic benefits of public libraries. For each one, please tell me how important that benefit is to you personally – very important, somewhat important, not too important or not important at all.
(PROMPT-- RE-READ PROMPT AFTER EVERY FEW QUESTIONS: Is that benefit very important, somewhat important, not too important or not important at all to you personally?) (READ AND RANDOMIZE:)
Very important a. Increases local property values b. Attracts new business c. Provides free community meeting space d. Serves as a community center e. Provides lifelong learning opportunities to residents f. Provides free resources 41
Somewhat important 35
Not too important 12
Not important at all 7
DK refused 6
NET Important 76
NET Not Important 19
36
35
15
9
6
71
24
48
36
7
6
3
84
13
49
35
8
6
2
84
14
75
21
2
2
1
95
4
78
17
2
1
1
95
4
g. Helps residents find jobs or improve their employment situation h. Contributes to public education
51
32
8
6
4
83
13
78
18
2
2
1
95
4
FUTURE SERVICES/IMPRESSIONS
20.
(T) Let me read you two statements and please tell me which one comes closest to your own point of view. Some people think libraries will no longer exist in the future, because of all of the information available on the Internet. Other people think libraries will still be needed despite all of the information available on the Internet. Do you think libraries will no longer exist in the future, or do you think they will still be needed? Overall 2006 7 92 * 1
Libraries will no longer exist in the future Libraries will still be needed None of the above (VOLUNTEERED)15 Don’t know/refused (VOLUNTEERED)
15
Response added for 2006 tracking survey
KEY FINDING
Two-thirds – or more than 135 million adult Americans – report using their public library in-person last year. Library visitors are:
Age groups • 14% - 18-24 • 20% - 25-34 • 22% - 35-44 • 18% - 45-54 • 13% - 55-64 • 14% - 65+ Household income • 15% - Less than $25,000 • 30% - $25,000 - $49,999 • 16% - $50,000 - $74,999 • 10% - $75,000 - $99,999 • 11% - $100,000 or more Gender • 44% - Male • 56% - Female Education level • 6% - Less than High School • 24% - High School Graduate • 28% - Some College • 23% - College Graduate • 13% - Post-graduate • 3% - Professional/ Technical School
Children under 18 at home • 38% - Yes • 62% - No
Race/Ethnicity • 70% - White/Caucasian • 12% - Black or African American • 3% - Asian American • 11% - Hispanic or Latino • 2% - Something else
Metro/Non-metro • 37% - Urban • 44% - Suburban • 19% - Rural
Marital Status • 56% - Married/Living as married • 27% - Single and never been married • 9% - Separated or divorced • 5% - Widowed