Iowa Public Library Statistics

By completing the annual survey, you are helping to make public library statistics available for comparing library performance, justifying budget requests and many other uses. And by filing a complete survey, you are meeting one of the requirements for Enrich Iowa: Direct State Aid.

FY08 Public Library Annual Survey

• All libraries with Internet access are to complete the FY08 survey using Web Collect.  The few libraries that have difficulty accessing the survey online may submit a paper copy.  Make a copy for your records.
  
• Each library's login and password are the same as in previous years and were sent in an e-mail to all library directors.  To request your login and password, contact Toni Blair or Fran Fessler.
  
• The survey is due 11/17/08.
  
• The survey contains the same questions as last year's survey, with the addition of questions on downloadable audio and video.  Changes to the survey are indicated in italics.
  

Tips

• The instructions will answer most of your questions, so refer to the
  instructions as you work on the survey.
  
• Enter a value for each question on the survey.  Enter "0" only if the appropriate entry for an item is zero.
  
• If an exact figure is not available for a particular item, but it is known that the amount is greater than zero, ENTER AN ESTIMATE.  You are familiar with your library and an estimate from you will be more helpful than an estimate generated at the national level.  Enter “NA” only if an item does not apply to your library or an estimate is not available.    
  
• Do not write out numbers; use digits/figures.  For example, use 23 not twenty-three.
  
• Respond to edit messages in Web Collect using the Federal note.  You must respond to all edit messages in order to submit your survey.

Background

The public library annual survey:

• Collects current information about public service outlets, holdings, staffing, income, expenditures, circulation, services, and hours open.

• Is authorized by Iowa Code 256.51 (H).

• Collects data that is used at the local, regional, state, and national levels to compare library performance, justify budget requests, track library data over time, assist in planning and evaluation, and provide valuable information for grants and other library programs.
• Each of the 50 states collects public library information according to guidelines established by the Public Library Statistics Cooperative (PLSC). The information contained in the Iowa Public Library Statistics is based on definitions approved by PLSC.