Texas Library Association

1. Texas Library Association Perceptions of Public and School Libraries:Statewide Survey of Texas Voters November 2008 Prepared for:

2. Table of Contents

3. Research Framework

4. Research Objectives To gauge perceptions of public and school libraries and librarians among Texas voters; To determine levels of support for and satisfaction with public and school libraries; To understand drivers of support and desire for library services; To measure voter support for a greater public commitment to community libraries; and, To serve as set of benchmark measures.

5. Methodology

6. Executive Summary

7. Executive Summary: Public Libraries • Public libraries enjoy strong and intense support from Texas voters. Overwhelming majorities across every demographic and geographic sub-group of voters believe public libraries are important to their community and report being satisfied with their public library • Personal interaction with libraries is critical – the more frequently voters use their public library the more important they believe it is to the community and the more satisfied they are with their library • While all voters are supportive and satisfied, female, less affluent, African American and Hispanic voters feel most intensely positive • Texas voters are nearly unanimous in their belief that public libraries create educational opportunities for all citizens and improve the quality of life in their community • Public libraries are also valuable to Texans and their communities in these turbulent economic times – providing important resources to families and job seekers, and supporting the economy through job skills training, career and job information and resources for local businesses • Texans say library services are very important to the community, particularly providing access to information and resources and reading programs and activities for children, teens and adults. Every service asked about was rated very important by at least six in ten voters

8. Executive Summary: School Libraries As with public libraries, school libraries also enjoy strong and intense voter support – regardless of parental status or any other demographic or regional variance School libraries and professional librarians are viewed as essential to the education of Texas children. Texas voters say school libraries are as important as classroom education and more than eight in ten believe that school libraries make a major contribution to children’s education While positive feelings are high across every subgroup, women, older and Hispanic voters – as well as frequent public library users – are the most intensely supportive of school libraries compared to their counterparts School libraries are viewed as essential because they provide opportunities for children to develop reading and research skills and voters see a link between academic success and strong libraries Texas voters are willing to take their support of school libraries to the legislature. More than nine in ten voters support statewide legislation to require access to a school library and professional librarian

9. Executive Summary: Funding Even in these difficult budget times, Texas voters want more funding for both public and school libraries – and no cuts Texas voters believe public libraries are a good value for the tax dollar and nearly nine in ten say their public library deserves more funding Thus, majorities support increasing public funding for both public (81%) and school (82%) libraries. Support for increased funding is high and consistent across the state At least 7 in 10 voters across every demographic, geographic, or political group support increasing funding for both school and public libraries Not only are voters supportive of funding increases, but the vast majority are opposed to funding cuts for school and public libraries Texans, especially parents and frequent library users, are most concerned that funding cuts would make fewer books and resources available

10. Public Libraries

11. Key Findings: Public Libraries Public libraries enjoy strong and intense support from Texas voters Overwhelming majorities across every demographic and geographic sub-group of voters believe public libraries are important to their community and report being satisfied with their public library Personal interaction with libraries is critical – the more frequently voters use their public library the more important they believe it is to the community and the more satisfied they are with their library While all voters are supportive and satisfied, female, less affluent, African American and Hispanic voters feel most intensely positive Texans value their public libraries because of the educational opportunities and free resources they provide to all in the community, and believe libraries are a good taxpayer value and make important contributions to the local economy Thus, nearly nine in ten voters believe their public libraries deserve more funding In terms of services and programs, voters place the most importance on providing access to information and resources and reading programs and activities for children, teens and adults

12. Across the state, the overwhelming majority of Texas voters believe their public library is an important part of the community Q5. How important is the public library to your community — very important, fairly important, slightly important or not at all important? At least 6 in 10 voters across every demographic, geographic and political sub-group believe their public library is very important to their community. Voters in the Northern and Eastern parts of the state are most intense in their feelings of community importance. 92% % Very Important Northwest 82% Northeast Overall 79% 82% West Central 72% 72% Southeast 81% South 78%

13. Very important Fairly important Slightly unimportant Not at all important Although all groups assert their library is very important, women show more intensity while younger and more educated men trail slightly Q5. How important is the public library to your community — very important, fairly important, slightly important or not at all important? Education Age Women Men Women Men College degree No degree College degree No degree Under 45 45+ Under 45 45+ 85% 91% 86% 89% 95% 95% 95% 95% Texans of different ages vary in how important they think their library is. Those aged 50-64 are significantly more likely to say their library is very important (87%) than other age groups (under 30, 75%; 30-39, 77%; 40-49, 75%; and 65+, 78%)

14. Very important Fairly important Slightly unimportant Not at all important African American and less affluent voters are also slightly more intense in their belief that public libraries are important to their community Q5. How important is the public library to your community — very important, fairly important, slightly important or not at all important? Race Household Income African American Under $40K $40-$75k $75k+ Hispanic White 91% 91% 94% 88% 95% 92%

15. Very important Fairly important Slightly unimportant Not at all important The importance of libraries is strong and intense regardless of political affiliation, Republican and Independent male voters show slightly less support than women and Democratic men Q5. How important is the public library to your community — very important, fairly important, slightly important or not at all important? Women Men Republicans Democrats Independents Republicans Democrats Independents 95% 94% 95% 85% 92% 87%

16. Similar to what we saw on the national general public survey front in 2006 – Texas voters are solidly satisfied with their library Q6. Overall, thinking of your public library, based on what you know or have heard or read, how satisfied are you with your public library – extremely satisfied, very satisfied, somewhat satisfied, only a little satisfied, or not at all satisfied? At least 6 in 10 voters across every demographic, geographic and political sub-group are either extremely or very satisfied with their library. Voters in the Northeastern, Central, and Western parts of the state are most intense in their feelings of satisfaction. 90% 89% % Extremely or Very Satisfied Northwest 67% Northeast Overall 72% 74% West Central 74% 74% Southeast 73% South 70% 2006 ALA data

17. Who is most likely to use the public library…

18. Not surprisingly, frequency of use impacts attitudes – the more voters interact with their public library, the more intense their ratings on community importance and personal satisfaction Importance (Q5) Satisfaction (Q6) Frequent library user Infrequent user Nonuser Frequent library user Infrequent user Nonuser 98% 93% 79% 95% 94% 74% How frequently the kids of voters use the library also plays a role in perceptions. Those whose kids use the library frequently are more likely to say their library is very important (88% vs. those whose kids who use the library less frequently, 64%, or not at all, 60%) and are more likely to be extremely or very satisfied with their library (74% frequent users and 75% infrequent users vs. those whose kids do not use the library, 53%) Frequent user (at least once every three weeks), less frequent user (use at least a few times a year) and non-users (use once a year or less)

19. Support is high across the board, but who are public libraries’ biggest fans?

20. Texas voters strongly agree that public libraries provide a range of positive community impacts – particularly educational opportunities and access to programs, services and resources for all Q7-15. I’m going to read you a short list of statements about public libraries. For each one, please tell me if you agree or disagree with that statement. Here's the first one: [READ ITEM]? Would you say you strongly agree with this statement, somewhat agree, somewhat disagree or do you strongly disagree? Total Agree 97% 97% 96% 96% 95%

21. Texas voters also believe public libraries make economic sense – they are a good value, provide important services in hard times and deserve more funding Q7-15. I’m going to read you a short list of statements about public libraries. For each one, please tell me if you agree or disagree with that statement. Here's the first one: [READ ITEM]? Would you say you strongly agree with this statement, somewhat agree, somewhat disagree or do you strongly disagree? Total Agree 94% 90% 87% 83%

22. Texas voters also strongly believe public libraries and librarians offer a number of critical services such as programs for kids and teens, free access to resources and help accessing information Q16-26. I’m going to read you a list of services public libraries may offer. Please tell me how important each of the following services is to your community. Here's the first one: [READ ITEM]? Would you say this is very important to your community, fairly important, slightly important or not at all important? Total Important Top tier services 95% 95% 95% 92% 92% 92% 89%

23. Access to information about certain specific topics, such as health and financial information, is also important to Texans but garners less intensity Q16-26. I’m going to read you a list of services public libraries may offer. Please tell me how important each of the following services is to your community. Here's the first one: [READ ITEM]? Would you say this is very important to your community, fairly important, slightly important or not at all important? Total Important Second tier services 91% 88% 89% 86%

24. A majority of all groups said each item is very important. Reading programs was the highest rated item for each group, although Hispanic voters also stress Internet and computer access % Very Important

25. In terms of priorities less affluent voters rank help with homework more highly, while the range of adult programs and services is of particular importance to older voters The table below ranks each group. Ranks were determined based on the proportion of respondents that said Very Important. The service with the highest proportion of respondents saying it was a very important received a rank of 1, the second largest received a rank of 2, etc. Ranks 1-3 are highlighted. Tied rankings are indicated with a “t”.

26. Across Texas, a majority of voters from every region rate these library services as very important, with reading programs receiving the highest rating in each area % Very Important

27. Internet access and homework help appear more important to Central Texans while help with finding information is less important to North-Westerners The table below ranks each group. Ranks were determined based on the proportion of respondents that said Very Important. The service with the highest proportion of respondents saying it was a very important received a rank of 1, the second largest received a rank of 2, etc. Ranks 1-3 are highlighted. Tied rankings are indicated with a “t”.

28. School Libraries

29. Key Findings: School Libraries As with public libraries, school libraries also enjoy strong and intense voter support – regardless of parental status or any other demographic or regional variance In fact, Texas voters say school libraries are as important as classroom education and more than eight in ten believe that school libraries make a major contribution to children’s education These patterns are similar across the state, although voters in the Southern and Central regions are slightly more intense in their support of school libraries Overall, women, older and Hispanic voters are the most intensely supportive of school libraries compared to their counterparts School libraries are viewed as essential because they provide opportunities for children to develop reading and research skills and voters see a link between academic success and strong libraries Not surprisingly given the level of positive feelings, Texas voters express overwhelming support for statewide legislation to require access to a school library and professional librarian

30. Texas voters, especially women and older voters, believe school libraries are as important as classroom education itself Q27-32. First, how important are [READ ITEM] to the education process— very important, fairly important, slightly important or not at all important? Total Important 97% 98% 91% 89% 85% 83% Slightly/not at all important Very Important Fairly Important There is no difference between those with and without kids (89% with kids say school libraries are very important and 91% without kids) Most likely to say School Libraries are very important: Democrats (93%) and Republicans (92%) vs. Independents (86%) Women (92%, particularly college educated women, 95%, vs. 88% men) Those over 45 (92% vs. <45, 88%) Public library users (92% of frequent users and 91% infrequent users vs. those who do not use the library 85%)

31. Texas voters assert that school libraries are a critical educational element – over 8 in 10 believe they make a major contribution to children’s education Q33. Do you believe that school libraries make a major contribution, minor contribution or not much of a contribution to children’s education? At least 7 in 10 voters across every demographic, geographic and political sub-group say school libraries make a major contribution to children’s education. Voters in the Southern and Central parts of the state are most intense in their feelings. % Major Contribution Northwest 80% Northeast Overall 82% 82% West Central 81% 83% Southeast 78% South 87%

32. Thus, not surprisingly, nearly all Texas voters say they would support legislation to require schools to provide libraries and librarians that meet statewide standards Q41. Currently public schools in Texas are not required to provide students with a school library or librarian. Would you support or oppose legislation that requires public schools to provide students with a school library and librarian that meet statewide standards? FOLLOW-UP: And, would you strongly (support/oppose) this, or somewhat (support/oppose) this? 93% % Strongly Support Northwest 75% Northeast Overall 77% 76% West Central 75% 82% Southeast 77% South 79%

33. Strongly support Somewhat support Somewhat oppose Strongly oppose Strong support for school library legislation crosses party affiliation, though Republicans – particularly Republican men – are less intense in their support Q41. Currently public schools in Texas are not required to provide students with a school library or librarian. Would you support or oppose legislation that requires public schools to provide students with a school library and librarian that meet statewide standards? FOLLOW-UP: And, would you strongly (support/oppose) this, or somewhat (support/oppose) this? Women Men Republicans Democrats Independents Republicans Democrats Independents 92% 95% 96% 85% 95% 96%

34. Strongly support Somewhat support Somewhat oppose Strongly oppose Although support for legislation is high across the board, women, particularly older and more educated women, are most intensely supportive Q41. Currently public schools in Texas are not required to provide students with a school library or librarian. Would you support or oppose legislation that requires public schools to provide students with a school library and librarian that meet statewide standards? FOLLOW-UP: And, would you strongly (support/oppose) this, or somewhat (support/oppose) this? Education Age Women Men Women Men College degree No degree College degree No degree Under 45 45+ Under 45 45+ 90% 92% 89% 93% 94% 94% 97% 93% Older Texans are more likely to strongly support this legislation, with Texans over 65 being the most supportive (83% vs. other age groups, under 30, 77%; 30-39, 78%; 40-49, 73%; and 50-64, 78%)

35. Strongly support Somewhat support Somewhat oppose Strongly oppose Hispanic and frequent library user voters are also particularly intense in their support for school library legislation compared to their cohorts Q41. Currently public schools in Texas are not required to provide students with a school library or librarian. Would you support or oppose legislation that requires public schools to provide students with a school library and librarian that meet statewide standards? FOLLOW-UP: And, would you strongly (support/oppose) this, or somewhat (support/oppose) this? Race Public Library Use Infrequent user African American Frequent user Hispanic White Nonuser 95% 92% 95% 87% 95% 95% How frequently their kids use the library also plays a role in support. Those whose kids use the library are more likely to strongly support legislation (78% frequent users and 77% infrequent users vs. those whose kids do not use the library, 66%) Frequent user (at least once every three weeks), less frequent user (use at least a few times a year) and non-users (use once a year or less)

36. Which voters are school libraries and librarians biggest fans?

37. Texas voters agree that school libraries are essential to the overall education process because they support reading and research skills Q34-40. I am now going to read you a list of statements about public school libraries. For each one, please tell me if you agree or disagree with that statement. Here's the first one: [READ ITEM]? Would you say you strongly agree with this statement, somewhat agree, somewhat disagree or do you strongly disagree? Total Agree Top tier statements 98% 99% 98%

38. Texans also agree that school libraries are critical to student achievement and strong school libraries produce students with better problem solving and job skills, although with less intensity Q34-40. I am now going to read you a list of statements about public school libraries. For each one, please tell me if you agree or disagree with that statement. Here's the first one: [READ ITEM]? Would you say you strongly agree with this statement, somewhat agree, somewhat disagree or do you strongly disagree? Total Agree Second tier statements 97% 94% 93% 89%

39. School libraries give every child the opportunity to read and learn was rated highest across all demographic groups % Strongly agree

40. Teaching children research skills garnered the strongest agreement in the Western side of the state % Strongly agree

41. Library Funding

42. Key Findings: Library Funding Not only do Texas voters believe public libraries are a good value for the tax dollar, but they strongly feel that library funding should be increased – even in these turbulent economic times At least 7 in 10 voters across every demographic, geographic, or political group support increasing funding for both school and public libraries As we have seen previously, women, Democrats and those who use their public library are most supportive of increasing funding Not only are voters supportive of funding increases, but the vast majority are opposed to funding cuts for school and public libraries Texans, especially parents and frequent library users, are most concerned that funding cuts would make fewer books and resources available

43. Libraries are so important to Texas voters that strong majorities support increasing public funding for both public and school libraries, even in these tough economic times. Support is higher than we saw nationally in 2006 Q42. On a scale from 0 to 10, where 0 is “not at all supportive” and a 10 is “very supportive,” how supportive are you personally of increasing public funding for the public library in your community? Q45. On a scale from 0 to 10, where 0 is “not at all supportive” and a 10 is “very supportive,” how supportive are you personally of increasing public funding for the school libraries in your community? 2006 ALA 8% Total Not Supportive 68% Supportive 81% Total Supportive of increasing funding Average Rating At least seven in ten voters across every demographic, geographic and political segment support increased funding for both public and school libraries. 7.82 7% Total Not Supportive 82% Total Supportive of increasing funding 8.10

44. Support for increasing both public and school funding is high statewide – with Western, Southern, and Eastern parts of the state being most supportive Q42. On a scale from 0 to 10, where 0 is “not at all supportive” and a 10 is “very supportive,” how supportive are you personally of increasing public funding for the public library in your community? Q45. On a scale from 0 to 10, where 0 is “not at all supportive” and a 10 is “very supportive,” how supportive are you personally of increasing public funding for the school libraries in your community? Public Library Funding School Library Funding % Very supportive of increasing funding (ratings 8-10) % Total supportive of increasing funding (rating 6-10) Northwest Northwest 63% Very 76% Total 61 % Very 77% Total Northeast Northeast Overall 62% Very 81% Total Overall 69% Very 82% Total 61% Very 81% Total 65% Very 82% Total West West Central Central Southeast Southeast 59% Very 83% Total 77% Very 87% Total 63% Very 79% Total 68% Very 81% Total 63% Very 81% Total 72% Very 84% Total South South 64% Very 81% Total 71% Very 82% Total

45. As we see in other areas, Democrats overall are more intensely supportive of increasing both public and school funding – although support is strong across affiliation Q42. On a scale from 0 to 10, where 0 is “not at all supportive” and a 10 is “very supportive,” how supportive are you personally of increasing public funding for the public library in your community? Q45. On a scale from 0 to 10, where 0 is “not at all supportive” and a 10 is “very supportive,” how supportive are you personally of increasing public funding for the school libraries in your community? Total supportive Average Rating 76% 7.37 Republicans 79% 7.58 88% 8.43 Democrats 90% 8.78 81% 7.77 Independents 80% 7.97

46. Also in keeping with overall trends, support for increasing funding is linked to voter’s relationship with their public library, but even majorities of non-library users support increased funding Q42. On a scale from 0 to 10, where 0 is “not at all supportive” and a 10 is “very supportive,” how supportive are you personally of increasing public funding for the public library in your community? Q45. On a scale from 0 to 10, where 0 is “not at all supportive” and a 10 is “very supportive,” how supportive are you personally of increasing public funding for the school libraries in your community? Total supportive Average Rating 89% 8.41 Frequent Public Library Users 87% 8.47 84% 7.84 Infrequent users 87% 8.19 60% 6.68 Non users 67% 7.28 Frequent user (at least once every three weeks), less frequent user (use at least a few times a year) and non-users (use once a year or less)

47. Who is most supportive of increasing funding?

48. Texas voters absolutely do not want library funding cut – a large majority say cuts would personally bother them Q43. How much would it bother you personally if funding for the public library in your community was cut—a great deal, some, a little, or not at all? Q46. How much would it bother you personally if funding for school libraries in your community was cut—a great deal, some, a little, or not at all? 86% 88%

49. If funding were cut, Texans’ biggest concern would be the restricted access to books and recourses – which was rated as one of the most important aspects of libraries Q44. If the funding was cut for the public library in your community, which one of the following outcomes would concern you the MOST? Q47. If the funding was cut for the school libraries in your community, which one of the following outcomes would concern you the MOST? Parents are particularly concerned that fewer books and resources would be available at public (45% vs. nonparents 40%) and school libraries (52% vs. nonparents 45%) Library users are slightly more concerned about fewer books and resources being available (43% frequent users and 44% infrequent users vs. 36% nonusers), but it was the item both groups would be most concerned about.

50. Respondent Profile