Number of Libraries and Archives Businesses in the US (2000–2023)
As of 2023
9,410
libraries and archives businesses in the United States
Number of Firms Over Time
Total Employment Over Time
Key Insights
- •The libraries and archives industry has grown 155.8% since 2000 (from 3,679 to 9,410 firms).
- •The peak year was 2021 with 9,491 firms.
- •Recent trend (last 5 years): the industry is growing (+7.4%).
- •Employment: 337,522 workers in 2023 (308.4% change since 2000).
- •Estimated 5-year survival rate: 59%.
Year-by-Year Data
| Year | Firms | Establishments | Employment | Entry Rate | Exit Rate | Net Growth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 9,410 | 11,682 | 337,522 | 14.7% | 10.1% | +1.6% |
| 2022 | 9,067 | 11,173 | 330,621 | 15.2% | 12.5% | +4.5% |
| 2021 | 9,491 | 11,653 | 318,579 | 15.7% | 10.7% | -3.2% |
| 2020 | 9,030 | 11,160 | 328,967 | 14.3% | 12.1% | +7.2% |
| 2019 | 8,760 | 10,908 | 335,518 | 13.9% | 11.1% | +7.2% |
| 2018 | 8,560 | 10,667 | 313,486 | 13.5% | 12.9% | +4.4% |
| 2017 | 8,347 | 10,596 | 300,226 | 12.7% | 13.1% | +3.5% |
| 2016 | 8,337 | 10,658 | 282,900 | 13.9% | 12.5% | +4.6% |
| 2015 | 8,250 | 10,383 | 257,814 | 15.3% | 13.1% | +5.5% |
| 2014 | 8,043 | 10,159 | 246,820 | 16.3% | 12.6% | +12.0% |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Business Dynamics Statistics (BDS). Entry/exit rates refer to establishment openings and closings.