IMLS recently released an interesting report assessing trends in US public libraries from 1997-2007.
1. Between 1997 and 2007, did per capita visits to public libraries increase or decrease by 19%?
2. Between 2000 and 2007, the availability of public access computers in libraries rose by ____ %?
To discover the answer to those questions, check out the brief report (it takes 10-15 minutes to read)!
Another interesting finding in the report, “libraries in rural areas face unique challenges and… any successful national cultural policy will have to recognize and account for those challenges.” While we’re well aware that rural libraries face unique challenges, I do look forward to further research which explores those unique challenges in more depth. According to Peter Haxton, State Data Center Coordinator/Research Librarian with the State Library of Kansas, the State Data Center has begun a similar study of Kansas libraries.
Brenda Hough is the Continuing Education Consultant at NEKLS. You can reach her by email (bhough (at) nekls.org), phone, or on several instant messaging platforms (look Brenda up by her email address). Visit the 
