Cell phone use and reading survey

 A recent survey of 900 school librarians and educators across the country revealed that mobile device policy that banned cell phone coincided with 2/3 reporting more visual engagement with books in classrooms, increased library circulation, and more independent reading during free periods. Full bans, especially those who used physical storage methods, outperformed looser "off and away" approaches, particularly in high schools. 

Yurio, K. (2026. July 23). SLJ survey: Cell phone bans boost reading, library use. School Library Journal. https://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/story/SLJ-Survey-Cell-Phone-Bans-Boost-Reading-Library-Use 

State of American Libraries Report

 The American Library Association published their 2025 State of American Libraries report. Some key topics were book banning and censorship (which is now mainly initiated by pressure groups and government officials), services to incarcerated people, advocacy, and libraries as literacy hubs. 

State of American Libraries. (2026). ALA. https://www.ala.org/news/state-americas-libraries-report-2026

Child-designed library study

 This study investigates how the ideal library space can be designed from the perspective of children in part of Turkey.  The findings revealed that children see libraries not only as places for reading but also as centers for social interaction, learning and entertainment. Children's expectations included colorful and aesthetic designs, comfortable furniture, technological facilities, multifunctional spaces, integration of natural elements and spaces segmented by age group. (excerpted from abstract). 

Yilmaz, E., & Kavak, A. (2025). Ideal library design from children's perspective: A phenomenological study. Children & Society.  

https://doi.org/10.1111/chso.70013

Library Policies and Patron Use Studies

This latest research describes the status of library-related policymaking and patrons’ library usage across the U.S. The summary compiles an eye-opening stack of bills that have been passed, enacted, vetoed, or left to wither on the vine. The document also details how coalitions are forming in support of intellectual freedom nationwide.

A separate report indicates that library visits and print circulation have declined more than 50% since 2011, while digital circulation has risen from 8% to 45% in the past decade. Though digital is up, the report also attests that patron demand for “more nonfiction and more backlist” print titles is going unmet. The report observed “no diminution in people’s need for reading” in the U.S., with 80–85% of respondents borrowing print and digital material. The data indicated that “the overwhelming use of libraries is for reading” and “contrary to general belief, there is a relatively small number of users of programs and services,” a topic worthy of closer investigation in case program participation or community service is underreported.

EveryLibrary. (2025). Codifying Censorship or Reclaiming Rights? The State-by-State 2025 Legislative Landscape for Libraries. Author. https://www.everylibrary.org/state_by_state_2025_legislative_landscape_report

Coates, T. (2025). Freckle Project. Tim Coates Books. https://www.everylibraryinstitute.org/freckle_project_surveys_reports

Diversity in Librarianship Study

 A new study highlights areas of growth for improving diversity across the library field. The study draws on qualitative research from 50 library professionals representing various genders, race, tenures, ages, and geography.

"Seven key findings emerged:

1. For library professionals, “diversity” is a complex term. Understanding its nuances can help focus and advance the diversification of librarianship.
2. Increasing awareness and education about librarianship can create a stronger foundation — and, theoretically, a more diverse pipeline — for the future of the profession.
3. Mentorship is invaluable. Developing more and larger networks of mentorship can support librarians and break down navigational challenges that traditionally — and disproportionately — impact underrepresented communities.
4. Creating a positive workplace culture and providing managerial training can strengthen onboarding experiences, foster inclusion and encourage culture change within libraries.
5. Librarians need support from leadership, both from their direct supervisors and their institutions.
6. Professional development and compensation must be considered when evaluating retention efforts.
7. Future diversity efforts should consider both micro- and macro-level approaches. Micro-level approaches follow a bottom-up framing with support from individuals and local-level libraries. Macro-level approaches rely on a top-down framing with more organizational and institutional support."

American Library Association and Gallup. (2025). Empowering voices, inspiring change: Advancing diversity within librarianship. American Library Association. https://www.ala.org/news/2025/02/american-library-association-and-gallup-release-new-diversity-study

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

Study on access to controversial library materials

A national study identified patterns in library resources and content, especially as they relate to political preferences, state laws, and book bans. the researcher found that:

• ·         Libraries in low-income areas have lower staffing levels and less up-to-date collections. 
• ·         Access to controversial content is related to local political environments. 
• ·         Book challenges may have chilling effects on the acquisition of LGBTQ+ content. 

Mumma, K. (2023). Politics and school libraries: What shapes students’ access to controversial content. Brookings. 

https://wheelockpolicycenter.org/high-quality-education/school-libraries/

 

Media Literacy Report

 This report provides a comprehensive overview and a road to follow in seeing that media literacy becomes part of every nation's cultural fabric, and notes the library's role in supporting and advancing media literacy.

Jolls, T. (2022). Building resiliency: Media literacy as a strategic defense strategy for the transatlantic. Center for Media Literacy.

https://www.medialit.org/sites/default/files/Building%20Resiliency-Media%20Literacy%20as%20a%20Strategic%20Defense%20Strategy%20for%20the%20Transatlantic%20%28Final%29%20copy.pdf

Urban Library Trauma Study

 A two year long study  difficult working conditions urban library workers experienced pre-pandemic and the increasing demands and disruptions because of the pandemic, resulting in extensive trauma, stress, and burnout for urban library workers. The study included four stages including a comprehensive review of current literature on the topic, a survey of urban library workers, a series of virtual focus groups, and a forum of urban library workers to go over the research and create plans for the future. Trauma  largely started externally but impacted library interaction.  The report also noted secondary trauma experiences and how regular interaction with patrons who are struggling with homelessness, poverty, mental illness, or addiction has a profound affect on library workers who are often not trained or have the resources or support for this work. The report encourages more recognition of how secondary stress leads to burnout and recommends that libraries look to the fields of social work and medicine for concrete solutions to support library workers. The report made the following recommendations:

1. A National Library Worker Help Line where library workers can call for immediate support during mental health crises and burnout.
2. A set of standards for healthy library work environments built by a coalition of worker-led library organizations. 
3. A collection of policies and procedures written from the perspective of trauma-informed leadership. 
4.  A series of peer-led support groups made up of library workers which allow workers at all levels to offer and receive support from colleagues at other institutions who can empathize and understand the unique challenges associated with library work.

Urban Librarians Unite. (2022). 2022 Urban library trauma study. Author.

https://urbanlibrariansunite.org/ults/

COVID19 impact on libraries report

ALA published “State of America’s Libraries Special Report: COVID-19,” which serves as “a snapshot of the library communities’ resilience, determination, and innovation in unprecedented circumstances. The State of America’s Libraries report is released annually during National Library Week, April 4–10, and this year’s issue focuses on the impact of the novel coronavirus on all types of libraries during the previous calendar year.” An example of the findings: “Coronavirus opened a floodgate of misinformation. Library staff worked to eradicate misinformation about COVID-19, which was infused with xenophobia and especially Sinophobia, resulting in a surge of bigotry against Asian or Chinese people. Throughout 2020, librarians responded to misinformation about vaccines, the census, the Black Lives Matter movement, and the 2020 Presidential Election.”

Additionally, “attempts to remove library materials continued during the pandemic, despite many libraries and schools closing or moving their activities and services online. …  In 2020, more than 273 books were challenged or banned. Demands to remove books addressing racism and racial justice or those that shared the stories of Black, Indigenous, or people of color grew in number. At the same time, books addressing themes and issues of concern for LGBTQIA+ people continued to dominate the list.” The top 10 most challenged books of 2020 were the following:

1. George by Alex Gino
2. Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You by Ibram X. Kendi and Jason Reynolds
3. All American Boys by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely
4. Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
5. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
6. Something Happened in Our Town: A Child’s Story About Racial Injustice by Marianne Celano, Marietta Collins, and Ann Hazzard, illustrated by Jennifer Zivoin
7. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
8. Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
9. The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
10. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

http://www.ala.org/news/state-americas-libraries-report-2021

Benefits of Childhood Immersion with Books

This study’s findings supports the contention of scholarly culture theory that immersing children in book-oriented environments benefits their later educational achievement, attainment and occupational standing. These findings have been interpreted as suggesting that book-oriented socialization, indicated by home library size, equips youth with life-long tastes, skills and knowledge. However, to date, this has not been directly assessed. Here, the researchers document advantageous effects of scholarly culture for adult literacy, adult numeracy, and adult technological problem solving. They find that growing up with home libraries boosts adult skills in these areas beyond the benefits accrued from parental education or own educational or occupational attainment.

Sikora, J., Evans, M. D. R., & Kelley, J. (2018). Scholarly culture: How books in adolescence enhance adult literacy, numeracy and technology skills in 31 societies. Social Science Research.

https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ssresearch.2018.10.003

Access to Books and Libraries as Predictor of Reading Scores

Replicating McQuillan’s analysis of 1992 NAEP scores, this study found that access to books in school and public libraries was a significant predictor of 2007 fourth grade NAEP reading scores, as well as the difference between grade 4 and grade 8 2007 NAEP reading scores, suggesting that access is important for improvement after grade 4. Access (school/classroom libraries) was a significant predictor of scores on the PIRLS test, a reading test given to fourth graders in 40 countries.

Krashen, S., Syying, L., & McQuillan, J. (2012). Is the library important? Multivariate studies at the national and international level. Journal of Language and Literacy Education, 8(1), 26-36. http://www.sdkrashen.com/content/articles/multivariate_studies.pdf