Introduction

The indicators gathered here further attempt to gauge the strength of the humanities in the United States by examining the extent to which Americans engage in humanistic activities in their daily lives. Beginning with a consideration of such foundational skills as literacy and multilingualism, the indicators describe such practices as the reading of literature and the pursuit of humanistic interests through continuing education. They also review the condition and use of public libraries, which are the main point of contact with the humanities for many Americans and have also come to serve as the primary means of public access to the Internet. The indicators here continue with the topic of public participation in the humanities by tracking trends in attendance at institutions such as art museums and historic sites, as well as looking at the role of state humanities council programs in supporting the humanities. Public perception of the place of the humanities in daily life is more difficult to assess. Nonetheless, the final section does attempt to shed some light on Americans’ attitudes toward such humanistic forms of expression as literature and art and their influence on society.