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
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
93% of the largest U.S. public libraries (serving 500,000+) are on Facebook
Computers in Libraries Conference (2013)
- Linda Hofschire and Dave Hodgins presented findings from the 2012 study in a session titled, “Web Technologies & User Engagement.”
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2010 Study
Closer Look Report
U.S. Public Libraries and the Use of Web Technologies, 2010
Fast Facts
Web 2.0 and Colorado Public Libraries: 2010 Update
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 presentation.
2008 Study
Closer Look Report
U.S. Public Libraries and the Use of Web Technologies, 2008
Fast Facts
Web 2.0 and Colorado’s Public Libraries (2008)
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 article.
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 presentation.
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.