Commissioned research from Library Systems & Services (LS&S) reveals that U.S. consumers are content overall with the services provided by local government. The top functions evoking positive responses were libraries (81 percent), public safety (70 percent), transportation (54 percent) and education (51 percent).

The results also indicated a preference for local governments to consider new ways of delivering services. For example, 53 percent of these registered voters said hiring private companies to provide government services is “mainly a good thing.” Regarding public libraries in particular, and after they said they were informed on the issue, 47 percent of respondents stated they would support local government hiring a private company to provide library services.

Other highlights from the survey include:

• Only 4 in 10 voters think [their] local government does a good job providing information on administrative costs and overall performance of local public libraries
• 57 percent of those polled said they would be more likely to support local government hiring a private company to run a library if they knew it meant better service for less cost
• 54 percent said they would support a privately run public library if the library was underfunded and could not update inventory or technology
• 43 percent said local government does a good job providing information on the types of companies that provide general services to its citizens, while 27 said government does a  poor job
• 42% said local government does a good job providing information on administrative costs and overall performance of local public libraries, while 26% indicated that government does not do a good job

Conducted by Morning Consult, the online survey polled 1,980 registered voters from March 30- April 01, 2017. Results from the full survey have a margin of error of +/- 2%.

Library Systems & Services (LS&S) operates more than 80 public and special libraries around the country through public-private partnerships. Under this model, the company enhances the collections, programs, and technology that enables libraries to continue fulfilling educational and vocational needs. Communities gain an abundance of advantages, ranging from simplified administration to improved literacy and strengthened workforce and economic development.