Among the 25 largest metropolitan areas, the region ranked 3rd in 1996. The volume of reference transactions requested by Twin Cities residents is also in the top tier. At the same time, operating expenditures in the region's public library system compare favorably, especially considering its circulation volume. The region's circulation rate was 52 percent above the 25-metro area average, but expenditures per capita were only 6 percent higher. Traditional measures of library resource and use levels do not convey qualitative aspects, and they also do not fully capture the true level of library activity as well as in the past, since technological advances are allowing people to access information in new ways.
Internet access is provided now virtually throughout the region's public library system.
This allows library users to do some of the research that previously had to be done by library staff. At the same time, patrons need assistance in the use of on-line resources. In accordance with such changes, library circulation as traditionally measured might be expected to drop. However, the circulation level in the Twin Cities region has held steady in recent years. Data Notes Data for Minneapolis-St.