Library Data Services

The Nebraska Library Commission collects statistical data about public libraries and produces a variety of data products. Library Data Services is responsible for implementing the annual Public Library Survey, assisting Nebraska libraries in submitting the data, and reporting some of this information to the appropriate federal agencies.  Library Data Services also provides information and data in support of Library Commission administrative, planning, and evaluation activities.

Public Libraries 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. The next survey runs from November 12, 2014 to February 13, 2015.

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.

• Submit Your Public Library Statistics Online with Bibliostat™ Collect

• Public Libraries Survey - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Library Statistical Data

Library Data Services provides a compilation of the Nebraska public library data each year and makes this information available for viewing or downloading. Also available below are links to additional resources on the topic of library statistics, both for Nebraska and for public libraries nationally.

Nebraska

• Nebraska Public Library Statistical Files from FY 1999 to FY 2013
• View Individual Nebraska Library Quick Facts
• The Nebraska Public Library Hours Report is a tool that allows you to create a spreadsheet containing the public service hours of libraries by day of the week. Libraries are organized by regional system.
• Libraries are the Equalizers A data visualization brochure highlighting the 2012-2013 public library statistics for Nebraska.  

Mapping

• Interactive Map of Nebraska Public Libraries (Updated 05.22.2014 with 2012-2013 data). Click on a map marker and get library statistical information.
• Interactive Map by System (updated 1.8.15) Click on a map marker or system for more information.
• Interactive Map of Nebraska Public Libraries and Legislative Districts (Updated 1.8.2015). Click on a map marker or legislative district.

Additional Public Library Resources

• Learn about the Institute of Library & Museum Services (IMLS) Public Library Statistics Program, which includes tools to:
  • Search for Public Libraries and to:
  • Compare Public Libraries
• The LJ Index of Public Library Service 2013 is another tool libraries can use for self-assessment and constructive comparison with other libraries.
• The IMLS Digital Inclusion Survey is an excellent resource for statistics about technology, the digital divide, and specific demographic information about library service areas.
• Hennen's American Public Library Ratings has been published since 1999.  HALPR identifies the public libraries in the U.S. with the highest input and output measures. The latest rating is for 2010.
• Public library statistics from other states are available through the Colorado Library Research Service
• Statistics are gathered from academic libraries by the National Center for Educational Statistics every two years (even-numbered) through their Library Statistics Program.

Data Presentation Resources

• NCompass Live: Presenting Data in Meaningful and Interesting Ways  A recording of this January 13, 2010 presentation.
• The Pew Research Internet Project has conducted numerous surveys and reported data on libraries.
• Using Charts to Display Data  A brief table of chart types and when to use them in data presentations.
• Andrew Abela's Chart Chooser offers a diagram to help you select the right chart for what you want to illustrate.
• Visit the Statistics About Libraries page from the American Library Association Office for Research & Statistics.
• For general population and demographic data, visit the official site of the U.S. Census Bureau.
• The State Data Center at UNO is a great source for Nebraska statistics. It is part of the Center for Public Affairs Research (CPAR).