Results from Josephine Community Library District end-of-year survey
Results of the annual library survey distributed in November reveal the public’s ongoing interest in print books and newer, better facilities.
“When the library district passed in May 2017, we knew voters wanted more hours, better books, and stable funding,” said Kate Lasky, library director. “What we didn’t know was how much public interest there was in updating the buildings for more welcoming spaces.”
Of the 1,129 survey respondents, six out of 10 said they visited one of the four libraries in Grants Pass, Illinois Valley, Williams, and Wolf Creek monthly. About 85 percent of those respondents have a current library card.
When asked about prioritizing future improvements, print books remain most important to all demographic types. Nearly all patrons overwhelmingly want a book and materials sharing program between libraries in neighboring counties in southern Oregon.
While library service quality rated very high, the survey demonstrated opportunities to evaluate and improve the facilities and collection of materials such as print books.
Considering future program preferences, patrons of all ages want programming on lifelong learning, making stuff, and books clubs. Patrons age 17 and younger were also interested in art and art appreciation and creative writing groups.
Of the 15 percent of respondents who reported they did not have a library card, about a third said it was because they didn’t live in the library district.
The library survey was conducted by a third-party consulting firm from November 5 to December 4, 2018. For more information about the library survey, email info@josephinelibrary.org or call 541-476-0571.
Click here to find out if you live in the library district boundary.