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Open And Ready For Filing
On August 1s, library directors should have received an email from State Library Consultant Scott Dermont announcing that the FY23 Public Library Annual Survey (July 2022-June 2023) is open for filing. Scott’s email included a very detailed set of instructions for completing the survey online, including the necessary usernames and passwords, along with tips about answering new questions.
Scott explains a few changes for FY23: “The FY23 Survey has now removed all COVID-related questions. I have prefilled questions E01, E09, E17, and E23 based on the numbers reported for “held at end of year” for the previous year. I have not locked these amounts, so you can change them if you need to. This should help to keep collection counts more consistent from year to year. And I’ve removed all Bridges video related questions as videos are no longer offered through Bridges.”
SCOTT’S FILING TIPS
- Data is prefilled for those libraries using the WhoFi service to collect programming statistics and wireless counts. There is also an option to enter numbers for any statistics that don’t use the WhoFi service. For each question, there will be a WhoFi prefill, a non-WhoFi question, and a total.
- Children’s programming is divided into two sections: 0-5-year-old and 6-12-year-old. If your children’s program is not age specific, use the 6-12-year-old category.
- We still have the section to report passive or indirect activities
- The signature page is electronic only again this year. The link to the signature form is at the end of the survey and listed on the webpage. Each library will need to submit a signature page signed by the director and board president. This is required to ensure the validity of the survey data.
- If this is your first time using Bibliostat Collect, or if you would like a refresher, we have some short videos on our website that give a brief overview of various features of the software. One thing to keep in mind with this software is that Google Chrome is the most reliable browser. The help videos can be found at our website
ABOUT THE ANNUAL SURVEY
The data provided on the Public Library Annual Survey helps Iowa library directors, staff, and boards compare library performance, justify budget requests, track patterns over time, and describe the condition of public libraries in Iowa. This survey gathers current information about public service outlets, holdings, staffing, income, expenditures, circulation, services, and hours open.
This is also national data collection; library use statistics are collected by all 50 states according to guidelines established by the Public Library Statistics Cooperative (PLSC). The information contained in the Iowa Public Library Statistics is based on definitions approved by PLSC. In Iowa, this annual data collection is authorized by Iowa Code 256.51 (1)(h)
Find the survey itself, along with all needed information and instructions, at the button below. A completed survey is required of all Iowa libraries receiving Direct State Aid funding; the filing deadline is October 31st Contact your District Office or go directly to Scott Dermont with questions (scott.dermont@iowa.gov / 515-281-7573 or 800-248-4483) Your efforts are important and appreciated!
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Since the first article today is all about the Public Library Annual Survey, the timing for this second article is really good 😊 This information comes from Christian Gutteridge with WhoFi and it explains WhoFi’s latest service for Iowa libraries: Question Sets.
Understand that using this new feature will bear fruit NEXT year at this time, when it’s time to file the Annual Survey for FY24. But certainly, library directors and staff should begin using Question Sets now at the beginning of this new fiscal year to make filing next year’s survey so much easier.
Christian Gutteridge writes: “Question Sets from WhoFi provides efficient data collection, organization, and reporting. All Iowa libraries now have access to this new feature, making it easier than ever to present clear and impactful state reports. This service guides librarians through a set of predetermined questions so that library data can be collected consistently and comprehensively. Among other stats, Question Sets can be used to gather board report information.
Question Sets simplifies the Public Library Annual Survey, providing libraries with a powerful and time-saving method to complete this yearly task. By simplifying data collection and organization, you can confidently showcase your library's impact and value, ultimately garnering the necessary support and funding for future endeavors.”
Staff from WhoFi presented our first “Lunch With the State Library” last month; Asheigh Matos explained various WhoFi features including Question Sets. If you were unable to attend that webinar or would like to watch it together at a staff meeting, you can access the recording at the button below.
And if you have any questions about WhoFi in general or Question Sets in particular,
feel free to contact WhoFi reps at support@whofi.com
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Coming To Iowa In 2024
Next year, Iowa libraries will be eligible to host a traveling exhibit from the Smithsonian Institute. The exhibit is titled “Spark! Places of Innovation” and is made possible through a partnership among the Smithsonian Museum, the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Humanities Council.
Spark! Places of Innovation is complete with photographs, engaging interactives, videos, and augmented reality. This exhibit explores the unique combination of places, people, and circumstances that spark innovation and reveals why it flourishes in some rural places but not others. The exhibition also serves as a springboard for local programming in the humanities, arts, and sciences, inspiring people to learn how innovation has impacted their communities and how they may become innovators themselves.
The Spark exhibit explores how innovation takes place, going beyond what we traditionally think of as innovation. What factors contribute to an atmosphere of creativity and risk taking? How is innovation expressed individually and as a community? Everyday acts of invention are celebrated and Iowa is no exception to this rule—what innovation can your community celebrate? Spark! Places of Innovation gives you the structure and framework to showcase the best ways your community has approached and can approach these questions.
The exhibit is designed for small cultural organizations with limited access to traveling exhibitions due to space and cost limitations. Eligible host sites include small museums, public libraries, historical societies, cultural centers, and other community venues in towns with populations less than 20,000.
Spark! Places of Innovation has been made possible in Iowa by the State Historical Society of Iowa. Spark! Places of Innovation is part of Museum on Main Street, a collaboration between the Smithsonian Institution and state humanities councils across the country. Support for Museum on Main Street has been provided by the United States Congress.
This exhibit requires 750 feet of exhibit space, 8-foot ceilings, and access to electrical outlets. Sites are chosen based on the strength of proposed ideas for auxiliary events, meaningful partnerships, geographic location, and physical display space. Preference is given to sites that have not recently hosted a Museum on Main Street exhibit and that do not charge admission.
The application deadline is September 8th.
Good luck, Iowa libraries!
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Our “Collection Cultivation”
Webinar Series
Continues this week August 15 with “Data Driven Weeding.” This series continues on the next two Tuesdays: August 22 and August 29.
"Prepping For Accreditation" Tips
For those libraries in the next accreditation reporting cycle (with re-accreditation applications due in February 2024) the State Library has recordings available titled “Prepping For Accreditation.” Seven recordings, along with accompanying PowerPoint slides, break down the accreditation process with explanations of strategic planning requirements, board-related standards to meet, HR standards, and more.
These recordings have proven to be very helpful as library directors and boards look toward the next accreditation or standards reporting cycle—especially if your library is in that next cycle! Click below to find that out and to access these recordings.
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