PUBLIC LIBRARY USE

What Was Measured?
Measured are the following: annual library funding; annual number of hours open to the public; annual materials in circulation; and annual number of reference questions asked per capita.  Figures represent data for the San Mateo County library system, and city libraries in Daly City, San Mateo, Redwood City, South San Francisco, Burlingame, San Bruno and Menlo Park.

Why Is It Important?
Public library use is an indication of literacy, political interest, business research, education, intellectual curiosity, and general interest in reading, videos, and computers.  Libraries are gateways to information for large numbers of people through shared access.  They are also an access point to the Internet.  Library programs aimed at children and adults are cultural assets to our community.  Libraries with community rooms provide needed meeting space for county residents.  The level of library funding is an indicator of community support for libraries.  The circulation per capita and reference questions asked per capita are indicative of library use.  The number of hours open indicates library accessibility to the community.

What Was Found?
Library funding increased 36.7 percent from 1988-89 to 1991-92, but dropped 9.1 percent in 1992-93.  Libraries were open to the public 6.7 percent fewer hours in 1992-93 than in 1988-89.  Materials circulation per capita increased 14.6 percent from 1988-89 to 1992-93 while reference questions asked declined .9 percent over the same time period.

What Is The Trend?
Library use based on materials circulated per capita is higher in the county than in the state as a whole and is steadily increasing.  Circulation per capita in 1992-93 was 7.61 in the county compared to 5.03 in the state.  Funds for operating expenses in 1992-93 also were higher per capita in the county ($31.20) than in the state as a whole ($17.44).  Nevertheless, funding for peninsula libraries is beginning to decrease.  Hours open to the public are also decreasing.  If this trend continues, demand for library services may outstrip the ability of libraries to meet that demand.

Sources: California Library Statistics 1990, 1991,1992, 1993, 1994 by Library Development Services Bureau, California State Library, Sacramento.

Researcher: David Crabbe