Ask a Librarian Online
Museum & Library Statistics and Data Set Resources
Below are some examples of resources that you can use to find library statistical resources. This is not a comprehensive list.
Statistics
- ACRL Benchmark: Library Metrics and Trends This link opens in a new windowCreate reports from statistics gathered by the Association of College and Research Libraries and the National Center for Education Statistics' academic libraries survey. Resource link and required username and password provided to USC faculty, students, and staff after signing in with personal network credentials.
- IBISWorld This link opens in a new windowIBISWorld creates market research reports for a variety of industries. Look at libraries and museums through a financial lens and discover what the key takeaways are (SWOT analysis, etc.).
- Statista This link opens in a new windowWide range of statistics including consumer behavior, markets, industries, countries and trend forecasts.
- USC Libraries "By The Numbers" - University of South Carolina"By The Numbers" shows users data points like visitor count, circulation numbers, reference questions answered, ILL borrowing and lending, and more.
Data Sets
- Libraries of South Carolina - SC State LibraryData and statistics available for public (2000-2020), academic (2003-2017), and institutional (2004-2005) libraries.
- Museum Data Files - IMLSCollected by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the Museum Data Files (updated 2018) are freely available to the public for viewing, research, and policy planning purposes.
- PolicyMap This link opens in a new windowPolicymap is a data and mapping application. Overlay locations of libraries or museums with social demographics like housing, jobs, health, etc.
- Public Library Survey - IMLSCollected by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the data obtained by public libraries are available in a .csv file or statistical report (1992-2022). These files are freely available to the public for viewing and research purposes.