Saturday, September 1, 2012

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)

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