Public Library Statistics

Kansas Public Library Survey

Annually, each Kansas public library completes the Public Library Survey and State Report. The survey includes questions about library visits, circulation, size of collections, public service hours, staffing, electronic resources, operating revenues and expenditures, and number of service outlets.

Kansas public libraries must complete the public library survey and state report between January 1 and February 5 each year to be eligible for state grant-in-aid and sub-grants awarded by the state library.  Public libraries can report their annual statistics at https://ks.countingopinions.com.

Data collected is reported to the Institute of Museum and Library Services each summer.  The state library also publishes statistical reports and the raw data files for use by the library community, policy makers, and other interested parties. 

Public Libraries in the United States Survey

The Public Libraries Survey provides statistics on approximately 9,000 public libraries and 17,000 individual public library outlets across all US states and territories.  Data includes information about library visits, circulation, size of collections, public service hours, staffing, electronic resources, operating revenues and expenditures, and number of service outlets.  

The data collected is useful to researchers, journalists, the public, and policymakers at the federal, state, and local levels. The data is used by federal, state and local officials, professional associations, and local practitioners for planning, evaluation, and policy-making.  Collected annually since 1988, previous survey documentation, data files, and reports can be found on the Institute of Museum & Library Services Public Library Survey page.

Return on Investment Calculator for Libraries

Want to put a dollar value on the programs, services and materials your library offers? You can try out this handy Return on Investment Calculator, adapted by the South Dakota Library from the Maine State Library's Library Use Value Calculator.