Library Data Services - Surveys
Public Library Survey
Each year the Nebraska Library
Commission collects statistical data
from all Nebraska public libraries as part of a national survey. This survey
includes data elements about funding, expenditures, usage, collections,
programs, and staffing. The data is reported to the Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS)
through the Public Library Statistics Cooperative (PLSC), in cooperation with the U.S. Census Bureau. The
collected data is useful for planning and
evaluation purposes and can be utilized to demonstrate the need for financial
support from funding sources and policy makers at the state and local level.
Submitting this annual statistical survey through
Bibliostat™ Collect
is also required to become eligible for the public library
accreditation program
and the state aid to public libraries program.
Public library surveys run from mid-November until mid-February.
Unaccredited public libraries are encouraged to submit data for the
aforementioned Public Libraries Survey. If answers
to at least all of the federal data elements on
the report are submitted using the Web-based survey provided through
Bibliostat™ Collect, the unaccredited library is eligible for a
payment of $200 as part of the Dollars for Data grant
program.
Supplemental Survey
Nebraska public libraries are asked to complete the Nebraska Library
Commission's
supplemental survey. The supplemental survey provides information used in
online web pages, public library maps, and other directories. The survey asks
questions about public library staff, board members, friends groups, hours,
website URL's, and library social media accounts. It is important to keep this
information up to date. The survey can be completed at any time the library
information changes, but reminders are sent during the submission of the annual
public library survey. The ID and password for the supplemental survey are the
same as the Bibliostat password.