American Libraries as of 2010

Key trends in the library community are detailed in this report on the State of America’s Libraries. The consensus among Americans that libraries are beneficial and advantageous has grown over the years, according to this report. And with more businesses and government agencies requiring applicants to apply on line, job-seeking resources are among the most critical and most in demand among the technology resources available in U.S. public libraries. Two-thirds of public libraries help patrons complete online job applications; provide access to job databases and other online resources (88 percent) and civil service exam materials (75 percent); and offer software or other resources (69 percent) to help patrons create resumes and other employment materials.

American Library Association (2010). The state of America’s libraries: A report from the American Library Association. Chicago, IL: American Library Association. http://www.ala.org/news/sites/ala.org.news/files/content/mediapresscenter/americaslibraries/soal2010/ALA_Report_2010-ATI001-NEW1.pdf