1. A Brief History of the Federal Public Library Survey

2. How it all began:

3. How it all began:

4. Current LSWG under IMLS:

5. How it all works:
The collection process has evolved over time. PLS started with DECTOP & PLUS installed on a PC. Then came DECPLUS. With the Windows operating system came WinPLUS and for FY 2005 data collection the PLS began using a web based submission tool called WebPLUS.
Policy and Procedures for review of data elements: This procedure has gone through several edits since it began. The document is posted on the PLSC wiki.
There are 3 reporting groups for the survey beginning in January each year
Group 1 – final due date is mid April
Group 2 – final due date is end of July
Group 3 – final due date is end of August
There is an annual SDC conference usually held in December of each year. There is a ½ day session for new SDCs followed by a 2 day conference for all SDCs. A one day meeting for the Library Statistics Working Group follows the SDC conference. The LSWG meets face to face twice a year.

6. How it all works:
PLS follows the data element life cycle.

7. What’s in it for you:

8. What’s available:

9. New Initiatives IMLS Other Research Use Mary Jo Lynch Award
Research Briefs
Data Notes
Other Research Use
ALA Issue Briefs
Library Journal America’s Star Libraries
Hennen Rating of Public Libraries
Mary Jo Lynch Award