Digital and analogue collections: size and circulation in the United States and Europe (Germany, Denmark, Netherlands)

Abstract

The article presents data on the size of the analog and digital collections of public libraries in the United States, Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands, with particular attention to printed and digital books. Additional contextual data – such as expenditure and library visits – are also reported. The data come from datasets provided by institutions in the four countries, based on annual and systematic data collection activities carried out for at least a decade. In addition to presenting these data, the article assigns particular emphasis to the methodological aspects related to the evolution of measurement models.

The analysis shows that over the past approximately fifteen years – depending on the historical series available – analog collections have decreased in terms of size and circulation, while digital collections have grown. The pandemic period caused a marked decline in the circulation of analog resources, only partly compensated in the following years; by contrast, digital use increased, surpassing pre-pandemic and pandemic levels (although in some cases there was a brief decline in the immediate post-pandemic period, followed by renewed growth).

At a general level, the study highlights the necessity of giving careful attention to methodological aspects when comparing data from different survey activities, particularly with regard to the evolution of measurement models. With respect to collections, the article reflects on the need to integrate analog and digital collections over time and to develop strategies that take into account various factors (usage data, budget, mediation for different audiences, etc.). The analysis of circulation suggests that digital collections and their related services – together with the already established analog services – have strengthened the overall offering of public libraries within a broader context of digital transformation in cultural consumption.