WebJunction

The Researching Communities to Prepare for the Future study interviewed over 140 residents in 15 communities across Illinois, to discover what communities want from their libraries in the future.

Public libraries provide many important services to any community, and as the economic situation across the country slows, libraries are asked to take on more responsibilities. Libraries have traditionally provided reading material to people of all ages and backgrounds, and continue to do so. But they now provide Web access and training in online services, community programming, job hunting assistance, and many more services. In this report we look at some of the possibilities for services libraries may provide, and ask community residents what they want to see in their library.

The research from Researching Communities to Prepare for the Future allows Illinois public libraries to determine future library services and focuses. This is the first known library study to use the Q-Method, a research technique to study the viewpoint of participants.

Project Resources

• Final Report: Researching Communities
• Community Reports
• Community Report Template

The following topics were identified, in priority order, through patron interviews and survey as indicators of a successful public library.

1. Library staff are friendly and knowledgeable
2. Information is easy to find in the library
3. Library provides a safe place for kids and teens
4. Library promotes cultural programs and exhibits
5. Library services are handicapped accessible
6. Library implements Web 2.0 services

Funding for this grant was awarded by the Illinois State Library (ISL), a Department of the Office of Secretary of State, using funds provided by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), under the federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA).