CHICAGO - The Public Library Association’s (PLA) Public Library Data Service (PLDS) Statistical Report Digital Database (PDF) is now updated with 2011 results. The Report is compiled from surveys submitted by public libraries across the United States and Canada. A subscription to the database provides unlimited Web access to all data currently available (2006-2011) for one year.

In the 2011 edition, 1,462 public libraries have shared their data on finances, library resources, annual use figures, technology and more. The 2011 Report also features a special, in-depth section on public library finance. This section details independent taxing authority, cash reserves, services charged for, library foundations, governmental sources of income and alternative sources of income in public libraries throughout North America.

The digital database subscription (PDF) allows users to customize and compile the PLDS research in a number of ways including:

• Search and export data into Excel/CSV file formats.
• Link data from different report sections.
• Access summary tables in interactive charts (breakdown by legal service area as well as by state and legal services within each state).
• Create unique and exportable PLDS datasets with user-defined data, calculations, charts and other analysis.

The PLDS subscription database is $250 for one year and is available for purchase (PDF). The 2011 print publication is now available for advance-purchase (PDF) with shipping to follow in July.

Published annually since 1988, the PLDS Statistical Report presents timely and topical data to assist public library administrators in making informed management decisions. Read a summary of the 2010 Report in the article, "Characteristics and Trends in the PLDS 2010 Statistical Report (PDF)."  (Public Libraries, Volume 49, Number 6 (November/December 2010): 34-42)

For more information about PLA, contact the PLA office at (800) 545-2433, ext. 5PLA, or visit www.pla.org. 

PLA is a division of the American Library Association.  PLA’s core purpose is to strengthen public libraries and their contribution to the communities they serve. Its mission is to enhance the development and effectiveness of public library staff and public library services.

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