2024 Library Insights Report Now Available
In 2024, ULC's 185 member libraries across the U.S. and Canada participated in the second-annual Library Insights Survey (LIS), collecting 2023 data to build on previous years' insights. The 2024 Library Insights Report, based on responses from 115 libraries serving over 87.5 million people, highlights key trends in patron engagement. As a whole, the results of ULC’s Library Insights Survey are deeply encouraging, showing strong rebounds since the COVID-19 pandemic and offering new insights into soaring e-Resource and meeting space usage.
What is the Library Insights Survey?
In the Summer of 2024, ULC asked its 185 member libraries across the U.S. and Canada to complete the second-annual Library Insights Survey (LIS), gathering data from the 2023 calendar year to build on insights from 2019-2022. The LIS survey was designed to compile trends related to patron engagement with library programs and services. The insights from this year’s survey provide a data-driven understanding of the post-pandemic performance of urban public library systems across the U.S. and Canada.
Each year, the Library Insights Survey collects quantitative and qualitative data from members across four categories:
- Attraction and Attendance
- Location Experience and Use of Space
- Programs and Services
- Staffing and Budget
2024 Survey Responses
The 2024 survey recorded 115 responses out of 185 members across the United States and Canada, a 62% response rate. These library systems represent 2,260 locations and serve a combined population total of over 87.5 million.
Dig Into the Data
View the 2024 Library Insights Report
These data snapshots and more are analyzed in the 2024 Library Insights Report. Access information and data visualizations of emerging trends that capture current patron engagement with library programs, access to services and the building space itself.
2024 Library Insights Survey Highlights
Looking for an overview of the report's key takeaways? Access the 2024 LIS Background and Highlights document for easy viewing.
Access ULC’s Library Data Hive
Available to ULC Members Only
The 2024 survey data is compiled and featured in the ULC Library Data Hive. The ULC Data Hive displays the data collected from each annual Library Insights Survey—as well as publicly available demographic information—in interactive dashboards, charts and maps.