Public Libraries by the Numbers

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TECHNOLOGY

90% offer formal or informal technology training.

76.3% offer access to ebooks.

39.1% provide ebook readers for check-out.

65.4% report an insufficient number of computers to meet demand some or all of the time.

41.4% report their Internet speeds are insufficient some or all of the time.

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FUNDING

23 states report cuts in state funding for public libraries

56.7% of public libraries report flat or decreased budgets

DIGITAL LITERACY SKILLS

87% provide training in general computer skills.

73.3% offer training in general software use.

86.5% offer training in general Internet use.

SERVICES FOR JOB SEEKERS

92.2% provide access to job database and other online job resources.

76% provide assistance to complete online job applications.

34.3% collaborate with outside agencies.

E-GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE

96.6% provide assistance in accessing/applying for e-gov services.

70%+ provide assistance in completing government forms.

31% partner with government agencies, non-profits, and others.

SOCIAL NETWORKING

70.7% use social networking tools, such as Facebook.

45.6% use communication tools, such as Blogger, Wordpress, Twitter.

37.3% use photography sites, such as Flickr.

28% use video sharing sites, such as YouTube, Vimeo.

MOBILE TECHNOLOGIES

14% have websites optimized for mobile devices.

12% used scanned codes for access to library services and content.

7% have smartphone apps.

How does Wisconsin stack up?

• Slightly above the total U.S. operating expenditures per capita.
• Well below the average percentage of decreased hours of operation.
• Below the average number of computers, which, I assume, is primarily due to the fact that more than half of Wisconsin's public libraries are located in communities of less than 2,500 population.  According to the 2009 Public Libraries in the United States, published by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the average number of public-use Internet computers in U.S. libraries per 5,000 population is 3.9.  Wisconsin's average is 4.3.
• Slower than the average bear.

LINK (or here)