Dollar$ for Data
In 2005 the Nebraska Library Commission implemented a state
aid grant program called "Dollars for Data." This payment of $250 was 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.
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.
Twenty-seven libraries qualified and received the payment
in 2005. During the following year, eight of those libraries were able to meet
the accreditation guidelines. In 2006, the number of libraries that received the
Dollars for Data payment was again 27, but there were eight libraries that had
not qualified in 2005. In 2007, two additional libraries submitted statistics.
In 2008, 45 libraries received Dollars for Data payments. Of these, 22 of the
libraries had never received the payment before, and many submitted statistics
online for the first time. Three of the award recipients from 2009, one from
2010, one from 2011, and one from 2012 have now
become accredited libraries.
For the 2013 incentive payment, the amount was reduced to $200 due to limited
funding for the State Aid to Libraries program.
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.
Page last modified 5.01.2013