Libraries and Community Responsiveness

Community Member Survey

Across America, the role of libraries is changing. In today’s digital age, where access to resources and information is literally at our fingertips, libraries are rethinking their roles and redefining their space in communities. Nationally, there have been several initiatives exploring what this new space might look like and, as it turns out, it doesn’t look the same everywhere. The central lesson of these initiatives however, is consistent: To decide what role the library should play in a community, ask the community—and engage them in the process. This project, coordinated by the Allegheny County Library Association and funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, aspires to enable participating libraries to broaden their strategies for community engagement and facilitate the development of community-driven service delivery.

Over the course of 2019, ACLA’s Project Team will conduct needs assessments in each participating community, through community interviews, focus groups, and surveys. Findings will be ultimately be compiled in Community Profiles that are intended to guide and inform library programming and service delivery.

Thank you for participating in this process, your perspective is greatly appreciated!

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* 1. In which community do you live?

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* 2. What are your community’s greatest assets? What makes it a nice place to live?

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* 3. What are some challenges in your community that you would like to see improve?

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* 4. What is the biggest concern you see in your community?

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* 5. Do you have a library card?

Yes

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* 6. How often do you visit the library?

Daily

Weekly

Monthly

A few times a year

Never, I do not use the library

Never, but I access library resources online

If never, Why not?

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* 7. What keeps you from using the library more often?

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* 8. What do you or your family do when you visit? Check all that apply.

Borrow materials

Attend Adult Programs

Attend Children's Programs

Attend Teen Programs

Use Computers or Office Equipment

Quiet Reading

Borrow E-Resources

Seek Resources/Information

Other (please specify)

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* 9. Please rank how important each of the following library services is to you (Number 1 being Most Important):

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* 10. What types of programs interest you most? Check all that apply.

Computers and Technology

Literature

Maker Programs

Gardening & Home Improvement

Health and Wellness

Money Management

Adult Programs & Events

Children's Programs and Events

Teen Programs and Events

Employment and Career Supports

Music and the Arts

DIY & Crafts

None of these

Other (please specify)

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* 11. How satisfied with library services are you?

Very Dissatisfied

Very Satisfied

Clear

i We adjusted the number you entered based on the slider’s scale.

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* 12. Please indicate which library you most often use:

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* 13. Additional Comments

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* 14. Please indicate your gender:

Male

Female

Non-Binary/Third Gender

Prefer not to identify

Prefer to self-describe:

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* 15. Please indicate your age

12 years old or under

13-18 years old

19-24 years old

25-45 years old

46-64 years old

65 years old +

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* 16. How do you identify your race/ethnicity?

Asian

Black or African American

White

Hispanic or Latino

Native American or Alaska Native

Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander

Middle Eastern or North African

Prefer not to answer

Other (please specify)

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* 17. Optional: Name and Contact

Name

Email Address

Phone Number