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BACKGROUND In 2008, OCLC published From Awareness to Funding: A Study of Library Support in America. This study focused on the awareness, attitudes, and underlying motivations of US voters towards public library funding. A decade later, this study was conducted again and the comparison between the two reports provides additional information on voter perceptions of public libraries. This comparison is useful to explore trends and implement recommendations to increase voter perceptions of public libraries moving forward. The research behind this report includes data from a survey of 2,000 voters ages 18 to 69 living in areas with populations less than 300,000 and was conducted by Leo Burnett USA between September 29 and October 4, 2017. DISCUSSION The From Awareness to Funding: Voter Perceptions and Support of Public Libraries in 2018 Report, is included as Attachment 1 and offers many insights and recommendations to explore and discuss as a base for a library public education campaign. While overall support for libraries remains high, there are key areas that need attention when considering a public education campaign for the library: • Fewer voters associate the library with its core aspects. • Fewer voters are likely to see the library as a resource for children. • People need technology services at the library now more than ever. • Voters today are less enthused about library staff. • Thei library's perceived value and relevance in the community has declined. • People are less likely to vote in support of library funding. i f The report offers a breakdown of support segments that are useful in considering how to present this public information and to whom. These include: • Super Supporters who value the library and are committed to library funding. • Greater Good who believe the library is essential to the wellbeing of a community. • Look to Librarians who value librarian's knowledge and research abilities. • Library as Office who use the library for work and study purposes. • Kid Driven who are focused on the role of the library in childhood education. • Just for Fun who see the library as a place to relax, gather and socialize. • The Web Wins who rely on the internet and believe the library offers little value. • Detached who are not involved in the library or community. • Financially Strapped for whom financial strains are a barrier to supporting libraries. • Chronic Non -Voters who were not considered in this study. The report also offers next steps that are worth discussing in developing public information for the Pleasanton Public Library: Page 2 of 3