Dollar$ for Data
In 2005 the Nebraska Library Commission implemented a state
aid grant program called "Dollars for Data." These payments are made to
unaccredited public libraries that completed the annual public library
statistical report, providing answers to at least all of the federal data
elements on the report, using the Web-based survey provided through Bibliostat™
Collect.
Unaccredited public libraries are eligible for a payment of $200. Libraries may request that the state aid payments
be made to the library friends group or the library foundation.
The purpose of this incentive program was to encourage more
public libraries in Nebraska to provide their annual statistical data, thus
providing a more complete and accurate picture of the state of library services
and funding, and allowing for more reasonable guideline expectations based on
broader input from libraries of all sizes. Online provision of public library
data is an important step in a library's ability to become accredited.
Accredited libraries are eligible for a larger direct state aid payment, as well
as for a variety of competitive grant programs offered throughout the year by
the Library Commission.
In 2024, 46 libraries were awarded Dollars for
Data.
Provision of public library data is an important activity for all libraries so that both the Library Commission and the
Institute of Museum and Library Services has a truer picture of public library service throughout Nebraska. Since this is a necessary element toward meeting the standards of service outlined in the Public Library Accreditation Guidelines
nlc.nebraska.gov/libacred, these libraries are one step closer to achieving accredited status.