NCES Academic Library Data Files (ALS)

The Academic Libraries Survey (ALS) is a periodic survey conducted by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) to collect data on academic libraries in the United States. The dataset, available in zip file from the original ASCII format and pdf files, includes survey results from 1996, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2011, and 2012. It provides comprehensive information on library collections, expenditures, staffing, services, and usage across higher education institutions. These data files are essential for analyzing trends in academic library operations, resource allocation, and service provision over time.