Fast Facts Reports

Colorado Public Library Challenges to Materials and Services: 2022

July 2023

Every year, Library Research Service publishes findings on challenges to materials and services in Colorado Public Libraries. The information is gathered from the Public Library Annual Report (PLAR) survey, as well as a follow up survey which gathers details of the challenges reported on the PLAR. Below are the findings from 2022.

June 2023

Library Jobline connects qualified job seekers with open positions in libraries and museums nationwide through tailored search options and a robust network of employer subscribers.

May 2022

Throughout the Great Resignation, the COVID-19 pandemic, the Great Recession and everything in between LRS Library Jobline Fast Facts reports have tracked the number of job seekers and employers, salaries, education requirements, position types and more for Library Jobline. In 2021, new user data from Library Jobline showed that almost half of new users (49%) were employers while the other half (51%) were job seekers. This points to a high demand for workers in 2021.

Check Out Colorado State Parks 2021

April 2022

Check Out Colorado State Parks, the result of a partnership between Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the Colorado State Library, provides 307 Colorado libraries with two park passes and adventure backpacks filled with information and educational activities. Patrons of participating public, military, and academic libraries can check out a backpack for a week at a time to visit state parks for free. While backpack circulation was down due to the continuing pandemic, this program provided critical access to nature for many during 2021. 397 patrons completed a survey about their park experience.

Challenged Materials in Colorado Public Libraries, 2020

August 2021

Every year, the Library Research Service surveys Colorado public libraries about challenges to their materials or services. The libraries that report receiving one or more challenges are then asked to provide additional information. This Fast Facts addresses the number, nature, and outcome of the challenges reported in 2020. However, it is important to note that the COVID-19 pandemic forced the closure of many library buildings for much of 2020, which may have impacted the data.

Check Out Colorado State Parks 2020

July 2021

Check Out Colorado State Parks (cpw.state.co.us/librarybackpack), the result of a partnership between Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the Colorado State Library, provides 297 Colorado libraries with two park passes and adventure backpacks filled with information and educational activities. Patrons of participating public, military, and academic libraries can check out a backpack for a week at a time to visit state parks for free. In 2020, state parks were closed from March 26 until May 12, when a gradual reopening of campgrounds began. However, people were still urged to avoid unnecessary travel for much of the year. Due to the extreme nature of the 2020 pandemic, many libraries were closed for a portion of the year or offering limited services. Only 137 patrons completed a survey about their park experience.