Public Library Annual Survey FY23

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 ([email protected] / 515-281-7573 or 800-248-4483)  Your efforts are important and appreciated!

FY23 Annual Survey Information

WhoFi Question Sets

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 [email protected]

Watch WhoFi Webinar

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