U.S. Public Libraries and the Use of Web Technologies

In spring 2008, LRS undertook a content analysis to assess the prevalence of certain web technologies in public libraries in the United States.

We repeated the study in 2010, 2012, and 2014, including more libraries and newer technologies. Take a look at the reports below to find out what changed in the years between studies, and to learn some of the differences between libraries that use web technologies and those that don’t.

2014 Study

Fast Facts

Trends in U.S. Public Library Websites and Social Media Use

Trends in Colorado Public Library Websites and Social Media Use

Report

Study Methodology and Charts

2012 Study

Infographic

Trends in U.S. Public Library Websites and Social Media Use:

Trends in Colorado Public Library Websites and Social Media Use:

Closer Look Report

U.S. Public Libraries and the Use of Web Technologies, 2012

Fast Facts

Trends in U.S. Public Library Websites and Social Media Use

Trends in Colorado Public Library Websites and Social Media Use

Blog Posts

U.S. Public Libraries and the Use of Web Technologies, 2012

Text reference increased by as much as 375% in U.S. public libraries from 2010 to 2012

From 2010 to 2012, the percentage of U.S. public library websites  catering to mobile devices increased dramatically

93% of the largest U.S. public libraries (serving 500,000+) are on Facebook

From 2010 to 2012, the percentage of Colorado public library websites catering to mobile devices increased from 3% to 36%

Computers in Libraries Conference (2013)

Linda Hofschire and Dave Hodgins presented findings from the 2012 study in a session titled, “Web Technologies & User Engagement.”

2010 Study

Closer Look Report

U.S. Public Libraries and the Use of Web Technologies, 2010PDF document

Fast Facts

Web 2.0 and Colorado Public Libraries: 2010 UpdatePDF document

Computers in Libraries Magazine

Jamie Helgren and Zeth Lietzau published a feature article, “U.S. Public Libraries and Web Technologies: What’s Happening Now?” in the September 2011 issue of Computers in Libraries. View a PDF version of this article.

Computers in Libraries Conference-2011

Zeth Lietzau and Jamie Helgren presented the findings from the 2010 study at the 2011 Computers in Libraries Conference in Washington, DC. View a PDF version of the PowerPoint presentationPDF document.

2008 Study

 Closer Look Report

U.S. Public Libraries and the Use of Web Technologies, 2008PDF document

Fast Facts

Web 2.0 and Colorado’s Public Libraries (2008)PDF document

Computers in Libraries Magazine

Zeth Lietzau published a feature article, “U.S. Public Libraries and Web 2.0: What’s Really Happening,” in the October 2009 issue of Computers in Libraries. View a PDF version of the articlePDF document.

Internet Librarian 2008

Zeth presented findings from the 2008 study at the 2008 Internet Librarian Conference in Monterey, California. View a PDF version of the PowerPoint presentationPDF document.

Computers in Libraries 2009

Zeth gave a cybertour of public libraries that are actively engaged in Web 2.0 on March 29, 2009, as part of the Computers in Libraries conference.