State Library of Kansas
150 Years of Outstanding Service
Kathleen Sebelius, Governor
Christie P. Brandau, State Librarian
For more information, contact:
Janie Rutherford, 785.291-3230
Survey Shows Library Use Booming in Kansas
TOPEKA: Results from a recently completed survey by the State Library of Kansas and the Kansas Library Association confirms that a national trend holds true for Kansas: public library use is booming!
Libraries were surveyed in February to determine circulation increases and an astonishing 19% increase was reported comparing December 2007 to December 2008. These numbers were compiled by Peter Haxton, State Data Center Coordinator. In addition, the information gathered indicated a significant correlation between the change in unemployment claims and the change in circulation.
“People are rediscovering the library as a source of information and internet access,” said State Librarian Christie Brandau. “This increase in usage is unprecedented. Kansans are definitely relying on libraries to get them through these difficult times.”
People are using the library to search for jobs online, to write resumes, and to fill out application forms including unemployment claims. A similar survey completed in Delaware found a 21% increase in library usage; and in Colorado, they anticipate their annual survey will reveal a 15-20% increase in usage.
“Today’s libraries provide Kansans with so much more than ever before – internet connectivity, career development, homework assistance, and childhood literacy – in addition to books, movies and magazines,” Brandau added. “Libraries are proving to be great partners in helping local governments address a wide range of community needs.”
On a typical day, Kansas public libraries: welcome 40,930 people; circulate 71,434 items; answer 7,600 reference questions; provide 2,152 children with programming; and connect 21,962 people to the internet.
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Other interesting Kansas library factoids:
- Kansas is fourth in the country for library visits per capita
- In 2007, Kansans checked out over 26 million items from their public libraries
- 83% of Kansas residents have a library card, and
- More than 10 million items were checked out to children in 2007.
The State Library of Kansas is located in the State Capitol building in Topeka. The library’s primary mission is to serve the residents of Kansas through direct service and through support of local libraries. Even before statehood, the State Library served as a depository of legal and historical documents and as a ready resource to the executive and legislative branches of Kansas government. Today, through the latest technology and access to on-line informational databases, the State Library of Kansas offers more information than ever to the residents of Kansas. Visit our website: www.kslib.info.