Rockford Public Library 2012 Community Survey

Rockford library survey supports keeping branches, same hours. (Rockford Register-Star, 8/30/2012)

Community survey conducted by Perspectives Consulting Group of Paw Paw, Michigan.

• 420 Rockford residents contacted
• All over 18 
• 50/50 split between library users/nonusers

Cost:  $23,000.

Some findings:

• Hours/Days of operations
• Two-thirds of library users said current hours and days of operation met their needs. 
• No consensus among one-third of library users whose needs weren't met, e.g.,
• Sunday hours
• Monday hours
• Morning hours 
• Non-users did not indicate that hours was an issue.
• Library materials
• Majority of library users emphasize print materials over electronic 
• Funding priorities ("very important" or "important" response)
• Materials that can be checked out:  9 of 10 respondents
• Electronic materials:  5 of 10 respondents
• Branch consolidation (Lewis Lemon, Montague, Rockton Center)
• Split decision (one-third support, one-third oppose, one-third unsure)
• Programs, facilities, and staff receive overwhelmingly positive support
• General use
• 62.6% of survey respondents used Rockford Public Library at some time in their lives
• 49.0% used library during past year
• Reasons given for no library use (page 12-13 of report)
• Busy/no time
• Doesn't read
• Get books/information elsewhere
• Location
• No need/not interested (category with most responses)