1. Per Capita State Aid and Statistics
Bob Keith
Data Coordinator
New Jersey State Library
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2. Why do we collect statistics?
Local
Compare libraries to each other
Track trends
Are the community’s needs being met?
Required by law (N.J.S.A 18A:74-11) for state aid
State
Compliance with minimum standards
Determine what services libraries need
Federal
Researchers, journalists, and policymakers
Planning and policy making at the national level
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3. How are statistics collected?
Annual Survey
About one third of the questions are from IMLS - *
Data are sent to IMLS for analysis and publication – PLS
PLS has one of the highest response rates in the federal statistical system
Other questions are crafted by NJSL to determine compliance with minimum standards or for research purposes
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4. PCSA in brief
Reward to municipalities and counties for providing good library service – not a grant
$3,639,240 – about one third of full funding
N.J.S.A. 18A:74-1
Structure of the program and how funds are dispersed
N.J.A.C. 15:21-1
Minimum standards to qualify
3 steps to apply
Annual Survey – library
Accuracy Certification – library
Application for State Aid – municipality or county
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5. Statistics at NJSL Survey data back to 2003
Statistics and Analysis books back to 1961
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6. IMLS Compare Libraries Tool
Create reports comparing one library to others
Compare on a variety of factors
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7. Other library surveys PLDS – Public Library Data Service – PLA
Digital Inclusion Survey – UMD & IMLS
Project Outcome
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8. Questions?
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