Parents' Perceptions of LIbraries

Three national surveys asked parents and guardians about their perception of librarians' trustworthiness as professionals and curators of a library collection and their attitudes toward books and book bans. ​

"Top-level findings from the Parents Perception Report are:

• 85% of respondents say they trust librarians.
• 58% of parents think public librarians should be primarily responsible for what books are selected for the public library as opposed to elected officials, library boards, or parent groups.
• 92% of respondents say libraries are safe spaces for their children.
• 75% of respondents do not believe their libraries are experiencing book bans.
• 67% of respondents feel that book bans infringe on their rights to make decisions for their children.
• 75% of respondents report that neither they nor their child have checked out a book from the library that they felt was inappropriate.
• 63% of respondents agree or somewhat agree that “banning books is a waste of time” at the public library. 
• 57% of respondents say banning books from the school library is an appropriate way to prevent children from learning about certain topics. 
• 80% of respondents agree that "school libraries should have content rating systems.
• 95% of respondents want to see a school library in their child’s school. 

The increase in book bans is a concerning trend threatening the democratic values of freedom of expression and access to information. The survey report should inform librarians about curating content and creating policies that align with community values and expectations, as well as inform policymakers and educators about making decisions that reflect the actual views of parents rather than those of special interest groups." (from Every Library Institute).  

McGehee, M., & Chrastka, J.(2023). Parents' perception survey series final report. Every Library Institute. 

https://assets.nationbuilder.com/votelibraries/pages/6280/attachments/original/1705534711/Parent_Perceptions_Final_Report_-_ELI_and_BR_-_17_January_2024.pdf?1705534711