Public Libraries Survey Design
Public library statistics are collected annually from over 9,000 public libraries through the Public Library Statistics
Cooperative (PLSC), formerly the Federal-State Cooperative System (FSCS) for public library data, and disseminated by IMLS.
Descriptive statistics are collected for all public libraries. Data are available for individual public libraries and are also
aggregated to state and national levels.
Survey Methodology
Click the "Appendix B: Technical Notes" bookmark in:
IMLS Publication: Public Libraries in the United States: Fiscal Year 2006
(1.12 MB)
Who is surveyed?
Over 9,000 public libraries identified in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the outlying areas. Beginning with Fiscal Year 1989, all 50 states and the District of Columbia have submitted their annual data. Unit and item response to this survey are very high.
Who administers the survey?
At the state level, PLSC is administered by Data Coordinators, appointed by each of the state's or outlying area's chief
officer of the state library agency. State Data Coordinators collect the requested data from local public libraries and
submit these data to IMLS.
The Library Statistics Working Group representing State Data Coordinators and other public library constituents is active in the development of PLSC data elements, software, and training.
Software
Preparing for its 21st year of electronic data collection, PLSC is an example of the synergy that results from combining
federal-state cooperation with technology. WebPLUS is an Internet collection that is cost-effective and has improved data
quality.
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Universe file
NCES also developed the first comprehensive public library universe file. Updated annually, it is part of WebPLUS and
includes identifying information on all known public libraries and their service outlets. This resource is available for
drawing samples for special surveys. IMLS will continue to maintain this universe.
Annual training
An annual training conference sponsored by IMLS is provided for the State Data Coordinators.
Technical assistance
Technical assistance to states is provided by phone and in person by:
Survey manual - User's Guide (WebPLUS Version 1.2)
Guide For Reporting Data For The Public Libraries Survey, FY 2008 Using The Web Public Library Universe System Software
- Full User Manual
(890 KB)
- Title Page, Contents, and Sections 1-7
(211 KB)
- Section 1—Introduction
- Section 2—Overview
- Section 3—Import
- Section 4—Data Keying
- Section 5—Match Routine
- Section 6—Edit Report
- Section 7—Survey Lock
- Appendixes A–D
(352 KB)
- Appendix A—Web Instructions
- Appendix B—Survey Instrument (Data Entry Screens and Data Element Definitions)
- Appendix C—Import File Specifications
- Appendix D—Name, Address, and Structure Changes
- Appendixes E–I
(560 KB)
- Appendix E—Resolving the Match Report
- Appendix F—Edit Messages and Conditions
- Appendix G—PLS Contacts
- Appendix H—Francis Keppel Award Criteria
- Appendix I—Standard Abbreviations
