The U.S. Census Bureau conducts reimbursable projects for the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) about libraries. The U.S. Census Bureau acts as the collection agent for these surveys, but the data themselves are available through the sponsoring agency.

The data provided to the IMLS and the NCES are used for a wide range of purposes including research, policy development, and legislative action.