Public Libraries Survey Design

Public library statistics are collected annually from over 9,000 public libraries through 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:
NCES Pulication: E.D. TAB: Public Libraries in the United States: Fiscal Year 2004 (1.02 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, FSCS 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 FSCS Steering Committee representing State Data Coordinators and other public library constituents is active in the development of FSCS data elements, software, and training.

Visit the U.S. National Commission for Library and Information Science (NCLIS) for additional information about the Federal-State Cooperatives System (FSCS) for Public Library Data.

Software

Preparing for its 20th year of electronic data collection, FSCS 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:

• FSCS Steering Committee mentors (12.5 KB)
• IMLS staff
• U.S. Census Bureau (Cynthia Ramsey).

Survey manual - User's Guide (WebPLUS Version 1.0)

Guide For Reporting Data For The Public Libraries Survey, FY 2005 Using The Web Public Library Universe System Software

• Full User Manual (1.36 MB)


• Title Page, Contents, and Sections 1-7 (686 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 (811 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 (1.01 MB)
  • 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