2014 State of America’s Libraries Report

With the celebration of National Library Week, the American Library Association (ALA) has released the 2014 State of America’s Libraries Report, which details the challenges facing libraries around the nation. In a Pew Internet survey, 96% of respondents felt libraries provide tech resources and access to materials, and a majority view libraries as leaders in technology. More and more public libraries are turning to the use of web technologies, including websites, online account access, and social media.

In addition to this good news, the report outlines challenges facing school, public, and academic libraries. Financial challenges, of course, are at the forefront, but other challenges include de-professionalization in schools, the never-ending battle against censorship, and the funding threats to the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA).

Read the 2014 State of America’s Libraries Report at the ALA site.