Library Search & Compare Tool

Reprinted from State Library Services (MDE) July 2019 Updates from State Library Services newsletter

New Library Search & Compare Tool

The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) developed a new online public library data tool. Library Search & Compare allows anyone to discover how their public library rates with peers across the nation. Data from the Public Libraries Survey can be displayed in various ways including by state, locale, legal basis, branch and various performance measures such as public services, financials, staffing, and collection. Results can be filtered, downloaded and shared. The database includes multi-year PLS data on a number of key variables at the library system level. IMLS plans to update the tool with FY17 data this summer. Feel free to play around with Library Search & Compare from the IMLS Labs webpage.