Tennessee Public Library Statistics

TennesseeLibrariesByTheNumbers.org

This tool provides an easy way to query and view data from the annual IMLS Public Libraries Survey. It includes custom infographics based on general library service categories. You simply enter the library name in the search box and from there, you can refine your search based on listed selections.

"The easy-to-use infographics make it easier for libraries to use data to tell their stories to stakeholders and decision makers." Chuck Sherrill, State Librarian and Archivist

The Tennessee State Library and Archives participates in the national Public Libraries Survey administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). Many data elements in the Tennessee Public Library Survey form correspond to those required for participation in the national survey, ensuring that Tennessee's public library statistics are comparable to those of the other 49 states and the District of Columbia. These data elements are further defined in the Tennessee Public Library Survey Instructions.

The annual Tennessee Public Libraries Survey is released in September for libraries to enter their data at tn.countingopinions.com. Questions? Contact Christy Chandler, State Data Coordinator.

Note: The US Census Bureau provides statistics for Tennessee as well as national library data. Additional Public Library Survey data and reports can be found on the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) website.

IMLS has released a new data visualization tool to help libraries use Public Library Survey data. Explore PLS Data!

Tennessee Public Library Statistics

Tennessee Public Library Staff

Additional resources for the annual Public Libraries Survey (instructional webinars, TEL and READS usage, marketing materials, etc.) can be found here:

Data Collection and Statistics

What is your library worth to you?

Enter in the left-hand column the number of times per month you or your family use each service.
Estimated retail value of each service will be calculated on the right.
Total value of your library use is shown at the bottom of the worksheet.
Tip: Use the "Tab" key to move between entries. Enter numbers into the form only, and do not use commas.

**LIBRARY USE VALUE CALCULATOR**
Input Your Use	Library Service	Value of Service
	Books Borrowed	$
	Magazines Borrowed	$
	Movies Borrowed	$
	Audio Books Borrowed	$
	Museum Passes Borrowed	$
	Magazine Use in Library	$
	Interlibrary Loan	$
	Meeting Room Use Per Hour	$
	Auditorium Use Per Hour	$
	Adult Programs and Classes Attended	$
	Children's Programs Attended	$
	Hours of Computer Use (e.g., Internet, MS Word)	$
	Newspapers Viewed Online	$
	Use of Other Database Searches like Tennessee Electronic Library	$
	Reference Questions Asked	$

TOTAL		$

The calculator worksheet has been adapted from the downloadable spreadsheet. This spreadsheet requires either Microsoft Excel, or Google Sheets. The Tennessee State Library and Archives would like to thank the Maine State Library for giving permission to adapt the calculator for Tennessee use.

Every Library in Tennessee

This map includes all of the libraries in Tennessee including the independents and metropolitans. Click the image to load a separate page that will allow you to zoom in and out, and click on map pins to get more information about each library.