The COVID-19 pandemic immensely changed how libraries operate and serve their communities. ULC's annual Library Insights Survey uses collected data to establish a better understanding of pre- and post-pandemic library services and operations.
Since the inaugural survey, nearly 120 ULC members have provided data for their libraries around the topics of Attraction and Attendance, Location Experience and Use of Space, Programs and Services and Staffing and Budget. Respondents have now shared data for the years 2019, 2022 and 2023. This provides a snapshot of where things were before the pandemic and during recovery. Each year's survey captures the previous year's data.
Explore survey data through dashboards, charts and maps on the ULC Library Data Hive, also available through the ULC Member Hub.
Please note: Only those who are ULC members have access to the Library Data Hive. Click here to request an account, or contact ULC's Project Manager, Matthew Wims, at mwims@urbanlibraries.org for additional assistance.
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From the CEO: Introducing the Library Data Hive
The Library Insights Survey serves as a guidepost for the resiliency of libraries and the bright spots they hold in our neighborhoods. This data demonstrates how libraries are strengthening their operations and purposefully serving their communities since the pandemic. Read a monthly message from ULC President and CEO Brooks Rainwater.
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Washington, DC — The COVID-19 pandemic immensely changed how public libraries operate and serve their communities. A new collection of data gathered by the Urban Libraries Council establishes a better understanding of pre- and post-pandemic library services and operations.