Find My LibraryStatistics Summary
Annually, public libraries throughout the country are required to report statistics about their operations for a survey administered by all state libraries. Once the data is collected at the state level, it is reported to the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). In Alabama, the reporting period is October 1st to September 30th, and survey data must be submitted by December 15th each year in accordance with the state aid rules. The survey titled Public Library Survey is used to help libraries evaluate their effectiveness and plan for the future. The results provide information that policymakers and practitioners can use to make informed decisions about the support and strategic management of libraries. Libraries are asked to report on services, circulation, staffing, hours of operation, collection, revenue, and expenditures. Data for every library in the country is available on the IMLS website.
Each year, APLS adds the latest statistics summary to our website so that libraries can review Public Library Survey data from the entire state.
Stats Training Guide
The Stats Guide is a quick introduction to navigating the Public Library Survey. It provides tips and advice on using Bibliostat Collect to report your data.
Monthly Stats Keeper
All public libraries should be keeping up with their statistics on a regular basis. APLS created this spreadsheet to help you with this task. If you enter in monthly data for each element, the spreadsheet automatically totals it so you can easily input your data into Public Library Survey.
Daily Stats Keeper
If your library staff prefers to track statistics on a daily basis, we have created this tool to help. It is editable and works just like the Monthly Stats Keeper, except it allows for daily input.
Camellia Net How to Collect Stats
Overdrive provided instructions on how to pull items and circulation for Camellia Net Members.
Login to Bibliostat COLLECT
The Public Library Survey is completed online through Bibiostat Collect. Libraries can also access previous years' surveys.
Bibliostat COLLECT Training Video
This is a demo of the updated Bibliostat Collect website. It can also help introduce new directors to the Public Library Survey.
Login to Bibliostat CONNECT
Customizable statistics are also available to all public libraries through Bibliostat CONNECT. Library staff must use the same login information as when completing their Public Library Survey. They can gather any data that is collected on the Public Library Survey from libraries all over the country dating back to 1999. Connect also allows libraries to do peer comparisons, meaning that, in addition to viewing data about an individual library, data can be generated to compare libraries of similar sizes and service areas. Data can be formatted into tables or graphs and downloaded into an Excel spreadsheet. This information can be especially useful for spotting trends, planning for the future, and recognizing areas that need improvement versus areas that are successful. The survey should be seen as not just a requirement to receive state aid, but an important tool that libraries can use to their advantage.
Bibliostat CONNECT Training Video
This is a demo of the updated Bibliostat Connect website. Here you can access all of the data that you reported on the Public Library Survey, as well as see the data other public libraries reported.