The State Library encourages all Iowa public libraries to participate in the Annual Survey. Data submitted in the Annual Survey is used on the local, regional, state, and federal levels. Filing a complete annual survey is one of the requirements to receive Enrich Iowa: Direct State Aid funding.
The statistics gathered in the Annual Survey are helpful when librarians want to:
- Compare their own library activity from year to year
- Compare information from libraries of similar size
- Obtain statistics to support budget requests
- Analyze the needs of their community
- Plan how the library will serve the community in the future
The FY20 Annual Survey
Due Date will be October 31, 2020.
- We will send a notice to all public library directors with the link to the survey, user name, password, and instructions.
- You will be able to download a print version of both the survey and instructions. However, the final report should be submitted on the online form only.
- You can request your login information by contacting Toni Blair.
FY20 Annual Survey Login
Use this link to login to the online survey and to view previous years' reports. You will be able to view FY00-FY18 surveys in PDF or web formats. You can save or print the reports. Use the online report only - do not submit print versions of the report.
Please note that we have changed the interface for the online survey software. The new interface requires a new login address. The browser requirements have also changed. Google Chrome is now the browser that works the best. The MS Edge browser will not work right. Other browsers may work, but Chrome works best.
FY20 Annual Survey Signature Page
All libraries submitting an annual survey must also submit a Signature Page to certify accuracy. The library director and board president must sign this form. Scan and submit the completed document to Toni Blair at toni.blair@iowa.gov. Please do not fax or mail this document. We do not have access to those resources at this time and things may get lost if sent that way. This document is also included in the print and online application forms.
FY20 Annual Survey Print Version
Use the print version of the survey for data gathering only. Please use the online form to submit your data.
FY20 Annual Survey Instructions
A printable PDF version of the annual survey instructions.
Changes to FY20 annual survey
A list of changes and notes for the FY20 survey.
Electronic Resources help for FY20 annual survey
Electronic items are getting more complicated to report on the survey. Use this page to help you decide how to best report your electronic resources.
Online Tutorials
We have changed our interface since the last time you filled out the annual survey. The software looks a bit different, but operates basically the same way. If you'd like an overview of the new interface you can use these self-paced tutorials to help you learn how to use the survey interface and answer questions about the survey. We'll be adding new tutorials over time and will eventually cover all aspects of the online survey.
Other Useful Links and Files
Web Connect
The powerful web-based software program offering easy access to and manipulation of Iowa public library statistics. With Connect you can quickly create rank order tables and colorful graphs and tables. You can also use tools that enable you to organize your results into a report or presentation. FY18 is the most current data.
Iowa Public Library Statistics, FY15 - FY19
Selected results from the Annual Survey.
Institute of Museums and Library Services
National data, publications, and peer comparisons for public libraries, also data for State Library agencies.
City Tax Rates and Library Levies
City tax rates and assessed valuation, including the minimum funding amount ($.0675 per thousand) and the amount that could be generated by the $.27 special levy. In (.pdf) and (.xls) formats. Funding and valuation information is from the Iowa Department of Management. Population is from the 2010 Census or most current special census.
Background
The public library annual survey:
- Gathers current information about public service outlets, holdings, staffing, income, expenditures, circulation, services, and hours open.
- 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.
- Is collected by all 50 states 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.
- Is authorized by Iowa Code 256.51 (1)(h).
Updated 11/19/2020