Public Libraries' Response to the Events of September 11th, 2001

A National Survey Conducted by the Library Research Center at the University of Illinois
Graduate School of Library and Information Science
Leigh S. Estabrook, Director

Numerical Data

Background to the study:

In fall, 2001, the Library Research Center (LRC) at the Graduate School of Library and Information Science received a grant from the Illinois State Library to study responses of Illinois libraries to the events of September 11. (Findings of that study can be found in the Winter Issue of Illinois Libraries http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/publications/pdf_publications/illibrary_v84_n1.pdf)After reviewing the results of that poll, the LRC undertook an additional survey, a sample weighted by size of population served of 1503 of the 5055 public libraries in the U.S. serving populations over 5,000. These libraries provide services to 96 percent of the U.S. population.

The survey was conducted on December 4, 2001 with a follow-up to non-respondents on January 9, 2002. A total of 1028 libraries responded for a response rate to the survey of 68 percent, with many comments from librarians indicating their interest in its findings. The percentages reported here represent national weighted estimates for U.S. public libraries serving populations over 5,000.

The results of that survey have garnered much national attention, primarily focused on responses to question 6, "Have authorities (e.g., FBI, police) requested any information about your patrons pursuant to the events of September 11th?" The study covered a number of other areas in public library service including security measures, changes in attitude toward patrons, influences on collection development and knowledge of the USA Patriot Act. It is important to remember that the study was conducted only two months after passage of the USA Patriot Act and before Attorney General John Ashcroft's May 30, 2002 decision to extend the rights of the FBI to monitor activities such as Internet use and public meetings at libraries, churches and other public gathering places.

For more information about this study, please contact the Library Research Center.