Public

Colorado’s Public Libraries: Mixed Success in the National Rankings, 2001 to 2008

March 2011

In a November 2005 Fast Facts,[note]LRS November 2005 Fast Facts: State’s Public Libraries Still Place Colorado in Top 10, But Rankings Slipping After 2002-03 Cuts http://www.lrs.org/documents/fastfacts/230_State_Output_Rankings.pdf.[/note] the Library Research Service (LRS) posed the question, “One has to wonder: how long will Colorado remain one of the top 10 states for public libraries?” Each year, the […]

The Impact of the Recession on Public Library Use in Colorado

March 2011

During the latest recession (December 2007-June 2009), many Coloradans found that an old friend could serve them well in times of financial crisis: the public library. It is a place where those who are casualties of a bad economy can turn for much-needed information, community, and help, whether they are looking for a job, returning […]

Challenged Materials in Colorado Public Libraries, 2009

December 2010

As part of the Public Library Annual Report administered by the Library Research Service, Colorado public libraries indicate whether they have received challenges to their materials or services. In 2009, 20 of the 115 public libraries in the state reported at least 1 challenge. Nineteen of the libraries completed a follow-up survey to provide more […]

More Job Seekers, Fewer Jobs: Findings from Library Jobline, Year Three

March 2010

For the last 3 years, Library Research Service, a unit of the Colorado State Library, has provided a venue for libraries and library staff to meet in the job search. LibraryJobline.org is a database-supported website where job seekers can create personal accounts and libraries from throughout the state and nation can post job listings. This […]

Computer Access and Traditional Library Services

January 2010

Computer access is quickly becoming a staple service of public libraries in the United States. Between 2003 and 2007, the number of public-use Internet computers available in public libraries increased 33 percent. This may cause some to question if other, more traditional library services (such as circulation and reference), are falling by the wayside as […]

Use of Statewide Databases Skyrockets in 2009: Library Patrons Benefit from Additional Databases & Training

December 2009

Use of electronic databases in Colorado libraries increased significantly during the last fiscal year, according to new data from the Acquisition of Information Resources Statewide (AIRS) Committee. Thanks to a significant investment in training for librarians and additions to the statewide database package, database use more than doubled between Fiscal Year 2007-08 (FY08) and Fiscal […]

State’s Collaborative Climate Fosters Interlibrary Loan in Colorado

December 2009

Interlibrary loan (ILL) is a popular research support service in Colorado libraries. ILL borrowing has increased substantially among public and academic libraries in the state since 2004. Although the increase has been steady for these libraries, items borrowed via ILL still make up a fairly small percentage of circulation overall. Interlibrary Loan Code According to […]

Web 2.0 and Colorado’s Public Libraries

November 2009

Like most sectors, public libraries are being dramatically affected by a world of rapidly changing technology. Savvy consumers are beginning to expect the organizations that they interact with to have increasingly sophisticated web presences. In order to compete for their patrons’ attention, and better serve their communities, some public libraries are beginning to enter into […]