In December 2009, WebJunction and the San Francisco Public Library (SFPL) began a project to examine the potential for online patron instruction in public libraries. Part of this work included a survey of public libraries across the United States to understand their approach to patron instruction.

The intent of this survey was to provide a means to describe nationwide developments in online patron training and create a “state of the industry” report around patron instruction in public libraries. Based on the findings of the survey, as as well as work being conducted by SFPL in the creation of an online patron instruction tutorial, we will explore the feasibility of broadly producing and sharing new content and services for all public library patrons at a national level.

This report describes the process and results of the survey. It includes an overview of the findings, recommendations for further research and suggestions for national efforts to enhance patron instruction.

The questions that were asked as part of the survey can also be found on WebJunction, please follow this link to access that resource.

This project was supporteed in part by a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication and website do not necessarily represent those of the Institute of Museum and Library Services.