Closer Look Reports

The Colorado Talking Book Library (CTBL) provides free library services to more than 6,000 patrons who, because of physical, visual, or learning disabilities are unable to read standard print material. In 2012 a survey was given to patrons of CTBL, where they shared their thoughts about the library's services. Of the 549 patrons who responded to the survey, nearly all (99%) rated their overall experience with CTBL as excellent or good. Respondents also rated a list of eight individual service components highly, especially "courtesy of library staff," "completeness and condition of books received," and "speed with which they receive their books" (at least 98% "excellent" or "good" ratings). Across the 5 CTBL patron surveys that have been conducted between 2004 and 2012, patron satisfaction ratings have been consistently high, indicating a sustained level of excellence in library services.

Through a $3.3 million, two year project that began in spring 2011, the Colorado State Library is overseeing the installation of 88 new and enhanced Public Computer Centers (PCCs) throughout Colorado. These PCCs provide internet access and computer training to foster broadband adoption. In 2012, LRS surveyed more than 7,300 PCC users to determine the impacts the PCCs are having on their lives. The results showed that the top outcomes of respondents who used the PCCs during open lab times were to communication with someone (52%), look for employment (38%), and use the printer, scanner, or fax (33%). Top outcomes of computer class attendees included getting better at using the computer (68%), the internet (49%), and software (38%) after taking a computer class. One respondent commented: "Probably the most valuable resource, dollar for dollar, available to community. I have found jobs…researched…located tax information, and have done school work over the years. Thank you!!"

In spring 2011, LRS conducted the 60-second survey "The Value of an MLIS to You." Almost 2,500 people responded to this survey. More than three-fourths (79%) agreed that the degree was worth the time and money invested, and 63% would recommended pursuing the degree if asked today. In addition to presenting the survey results, the report also contains an in-depth analysis of the additional comments that were left by about 1,300 respondents. A Fast Facts containing highlights of the study's results is also available.

LRS conducted an evaluation of the statewide 24/7 virtual reference service AskColorado, as well as its academic queue AskAcademic, between April and October 2011. Based on the results of nearly 1,300 user surveys, respondents are pleased with these services and are likely to be repeat users. Four out of five users (80%) rated AskColorado librarians as "very helpful" or "helpful," and six out of seven users (85%) said that they would be "very likely" or "likely" to use the service again. Satisfaction was even higher among AskAcademic users. Nearly 9 in 10 AskAcademic survey respondents (89%) indicated that the librarians who assisted them were either very helpful or helpful , and most (94%) said that they were "very likely" or "likely" to utilize the service again. Compared with previous AskColorado evaluations, in 2011 the service received its highest ratings yet on these measures.

In fall 2011, LRS analyzed school library staffing data and Colorado Student Assessment Program (CSAP) reading scores over time. The findings indicated that schools that either maintained or gained an endorsed librarian between 2005 and 2011 tended to have more students scoring advanced in reading in 2011 and fewer students scoring unsatisfactory, compared with schools that either lost their librarians or never had one. In 2011, schools with at least one FTE endorsed librarian averaged significantly higher advanced CSAP reading scores and significantly lower unsatisfactory scores than schools with less than one FTE endorsed librarian. These findings remained significant when controlling for poverty.

The Colorado Talking Book Library (CTBL) provides free library services to Coloradans of all ages who are unable to read standard print materials due to physical, visual, or learning disabilities. As part of an ongoing effort by CTBL to evaluate its services, the Library Research Service developed a patron survey in summer 2010 which was administered in October of the same year. The survey was designed to help CTBL identify possible strengths and weaknesses and to plan for future services.

In spring 2010, LRS undertook a second observational study to assess the prevalence of certain web technologies in Public Libraries in the United States.

In winter 2011, LRS conducted a study on the recession's impact on public library use. The findings indicated that in 2006 to 2007 (prior to the recession), use, as measured by visits, circulation, program attendance, and Internet use, remained relatively static or decreased in Colorado public libraries. In contrast, use increased by between 6% and 28% during the recession (2007 to 2009).

Known links between stronger school library programs and better Colorado Student Assessment Program (CSAP) scores are confirmed by a recent examination of 2007-08 data on school libraries and 2008 data on students scoring proficient or advanced on CSAP reading. In addition, stronger library programs were also associated with reduced percentages of students receiving unsatisfactory CSAP scores, thereby helping to close the achievement gap.

In spring 2008, LRS undertook an observational study to assess the prevalence of certain web technologies in Public Libraries in the United States.

In spring 2006, a need was identified in Colorado to describe the variety of benefits delivered by public libraries to their patrons and to quantify the return on investment to taxpayers for monies invested in public libraries. Libraries studied include Cortez Public Library, Denver Public Library, Douglas County Libraries, Eagle Valley Library District, Fort Morgan Public Library, Mesa County Public Library District, Montrose Library District, and Rangeview Library District.

In efforts to help young children aged birth through six prepare to read, public libraries across the nation are stepping to the fore with new or enhanced early literacy programs and services.

The Colorado Academic Library Impact Study - From March to May 2005, a study concerning academic library usage and outcomes was conducted by the Library Research Service in association with the Colorado Academic Library Consortium.

During the last quarter of 2003, 1,241 Colorado librarians and other library workers responded to a voluntary statewide survey asking them about retirement, retention, and recruitment issues.

This report evaluates the second two components of the Colorado @ your library Campaign project that are in process and scheduled for completion in October 2004 (funded by a LSTA 2003-2004 grant).

In the fall of 2003, the CAL Intellectual Freedom Committee sponsored a survey to take the pulse of intellectual freedom in Colorado. The goal was to ask a wide range of Colorado library workers about their awareness and personal involvement in intellectual freedom issues, ranging from book challenges and Internet filtering to their opinions on recent federal legislation impacting libraries.

Commissioned by the Strategic Issues and Emergency Response (SIER) Committee of the Colorado Association of Libraries (CAL), this report details the extent of recent budget cuts to Colorado libraries.

Commissioned by the Colorado Department of Education´s (CDE) Center for At-Risk Education (CARE) and in conjunction with the Colorado Literacy Research Initiative, this study examines adult and family literacy activities taking place in Colorado's public libraries.

The Central Colorado Library System (CCLS) commissioned the Library Research Service to study how economical the Colorado Courier service is for libraries that use it.

The Counting on Results (CoR) study was a nationwide examination of the impact of public library services on individual patrons. Volunteer libraries throughout the United States participated in the project.

This report analyzes data from an April 2002 survey of public library Internet users conducted by the Library Research Service. It provides insights into how Coloradans are aided by public libraries in using information technology and how their lives are changed by access to online information.