Library Usage Statistcs
Serving a population of nearly 500,000, Dublin City Public Libraries provide a wide range of services through its branch network and mobile service as well as through a number of agency services.
The year 2008 saw library membership at 164,954
Other statistics for 2008 include;
Number of Service Points: 41
Number of Library Visits (Actual): 2,523,224
Number of Library Visits (Virtual): 348,842
Internet access available in 100% of branch libraries
Internet access sessions availed of: 328,065 (2007 - 221,572)
Loans: 1,998,696
Class visits: 1,448
Surveys
PLUS Public Library User Survey - Dublin City Libraries' Results (2007)
The national PLUS Public Library User Survey findings were published on September 25th, by Minister Kitt. T.D. As part of this survey process, DCPL collected 1,136 questionnaires, which were administered by its frontline library staff.
The survey findings provide important information on those who use public library services, for what purpose and what do they think about service provision.
Details of the PLUS Public Library User Survey - Dublin City Libraries' results
Children's Learning Zones in Public Libraries (2007)
The desire to enhance existing library provision to primary school students provided the impetus for the children's learning zone initiative. Initiated, designed and implemented as a multi-dimensional support to children aged 8-13, it lead to the following outcomes:
- Availability of targeted resources for homework research
- Availability of a defined study space for homework use
- Provision of support measures to encourage learning and reading
The research process provided a mechanism for parents and teachers to comment on children's learning zones in public libraries. Of equal importance was the opportunity offered to children to make their views known via a blog (web log) at www.childrenszone.wordpress.com
Details of the Children's Learning Zones in Public Libraries
Lapsed Borrower and Continued Usage Survey (2003)
In 2003 the Research Unit, Dublin City Public Libraries carried out a survey on why some members of the public stopped borrowing items during a specific period. The survey on lapsed borrowing investigated the following questions:
- Why did a group of library members stop borrowing items from the service during a specific time period?
- To what extent did this group use the library for any other activity, apart from borrowing, during that period?
Details of the Lapsed Borrower and Continued Usage Survey
User Survey 2005
'Asking the Public - The Value of Public Libraries in the Delivery of e-Government Services'
Identifying the needs and views of members of the public is a key element in research and development projects. As part of the PLRP (Public Library Research Programme) funded project – The Value of Public Libraries in the Delivery of e-Government Services, Dublin City and Longford public libraries sought the views of the public on this topic. This consultation process took place during the June and July 2005.
Details of the survey on E-Gov at Public Libraries
User Survey 1999
In May 1999 Dublin City Public Libraries carried out a survey of library users at 23 public service points, representing the first gathering of feedback on a system-wide scale.
Why survey?
A user survey was identified as one of the core objectives set in the Programme for Development 1996-2001, and targeted for completion in the Business Plan for Dublin City Public Libraries 1999-2000. The aim of doing the survey was to provide concrete data on such questions as
- who uses libraries
- what services are used
- are people satisfied with the services provided
Details of the 1999 User Survey