A Public Library Research Agenda: American and Canadian perspectives on the public library field

Rapidly evolving societal, technological, and financial influences on US and Canadian public libraries are increasingly shaping the daily work of leaders and staff. This includes how they meet the needs of their communities while balancing pressing needs for efficiency and staff well-being. Public Library Research Agenda: American and Canadian Perspectives explores the current public library landscape to identify current and emerging priorities that can benefit from future investigation.  

Explore the current public library field landscape within the framework of three experiences. The agenda is comprised of three sections, which echo those in the New Model Library report, including:

• Engagement experiences—Discusses in-person and virtual programs and spaces that comprise the public library experience, along with partnerships that facilitate community connections.   
• Collections experiences—Covers physical and electronic resources held and shared by public libraries, along with broadband and technology hardware and software and the concept of space as a resource.   
• Work experiences—Examines the flexible and evolving nature of workplace environments, interactions, and concerns in public libraries.  

Discover broad insights that can inform further public library research. This report was based on research conducted in the following areas:

• Literature review—Included peer-reviewed and practitioner-focused literature from the past five to ten years and benchmark literature identified through research and suggestions from the Advisory Group members.  
• Focus group interviews—Based on virtual and in-person interviews representing individuals from public libraries, including directors, managers, and frontline staff.
• OCLC Global Council Survey—Survey findings from US and Canadian public library leader and staff on ways they anticipate future changes to library workflows, services, and collections.

Public libraries leaders and staff in the US and Canada are faced with a variety of unique opportunities and challenges today. Read this report to learn about these realities, develop impactful strategic planning and advocacy efforts, and identify areas for further research and engagement.  

Quick Links

• Short URL: oc.lc/PLRA
• DOI (US letter):
• DOI: (A4):