Survey Analysis

We developed a survey for public library workers to help us better understand the current professional development landscape: what’s working, what needs improvement, and what public library professionals need most today. Through this survey, we aimed to gather the experiences and insights of our peers to help inform and shape the future of professional development in our field. In addition to collecting demographic data, we asked respondents to share which professional development opportunities they have found most valuable, what opportunities they wish were available, what resources they consider essential for becoming library leaders, and what support they need from professional organizations to succeed.

Our goal is to use this information to help build a more sustainable foundation for public library professionals - one that prioritizes ongoing learning, strengthens career pathways, and cultivates supportive networks. In doing so, we aim to ensure that public libraries remain resilient and continue to serve as vital, accessible spaces for generations to come.

To ensure our research was both relevant and impactful, we began examining the current professional development landscape within public libraries. This initial analysis revealed significant gaps in accessible leadership training, mentorship opportunities, and skill-building resources for emerging and mid-level professionals. Recognizing this need, we developed 10 survey questions aimed at capturing real-world insights from library staff regarding their experiences, priorities, and perceived barriers to professional growth. The questions were crafted using the following key criteria (i.e. relevance, clarity, actionability, and inclusivity). We distributed the survey to public librarians nationwide through professional listservs, library networks and social media platforms and received a total of 109 responses. This strategic approach allowed us to gather meaningful data that will guide the creation of targeted professional development initiatives tailored to the evolving needs of tomorrow’s library leaders.

1. Do you/have you ever worked at a public library?

3. How long have you/did you work in the public library?

2. What is/was your role in the public library?

4. What leadership skills are the most important for library staff to develop? (Select up to 3)

5. What barriers, if any, have you encountered in accessing leadership training or development opportunities? (Check all that apply)

7. Can you describe a professional development opportunity that you enjoyed / thought was useful to your professional growth? (open-ended response)

6. What kind of professional development opportunities do you wish you had? (open-ended response)

8. How can professional organizations better support emerging library leaders? (open-ended response)

9. What resources or support do you believe are essential for emerging library leaders to succeed?

10. How can professional organizations better support emerging library leaders?

Visual Overview

A total of 109 public librarians from across the country responded to our national survey. Their feedback offers an honest and compelling look at what’s working, what’s missing, and what’s needed to move forward.

Survey Findings

Leadership and Management:

Many respondents noted a strong desire for structured support in transitioning into leadership roles.

Mentorship and Networking:

Respondents highlighted the value of formal mentorship programs, networking with like-minded professionals, and opportunities for small group discussions.

Specialized Skills and Training:

Areas such as readers’ advisory, cataloging, tech services, data analytics, disability awareness, outreach to under-served communities, and business/accounting practices were cited as critical PD gaps.

Accessibility and Flexibility:

Barriers such as lack of funding, limited local options, and time constraints were consistent themes. Respondents requested more in-person options, especially for adult and emerging adult learners, as well as continued virtual access.

Addressing Real-Life Issues:

Respondents expressed a need for PD around managing patrons and staff experiencing homelessness, addiction, mental health crises, and other real-world challenges, along with addressing ethics and workplace conflict.

I attended the PLA leadership academy in 2015. It helped me to grow my network of library leaders. I'm still connected to my cohort from that experience.

Survey Respondent

In my organization (a very large county system for a big metropolitan area) every new librarian gets paired with a librarian mentor at a different library branch. We met regularly in my first 6-12 months to talk about different aspects of the jobs, and discuss any challenges I was encountering. My librarian mentor continues to be a great resource for me.

Survey Respondent

Time and understanding of the job and that being a leader is not just a title, and just how to be an effective leader.

Survey Respondent

Being aware of political circumstances surrounding censorship in local, state and federal levels. Helping emerging library leaders to support public access to information, education, and cultural stories. Listening to these leaders that come from all regions, cultural backgrounds, and societal classes.

Survey Respondent