Recently LRS published the preliminary data from the 2008 Public Library Annual Report (PLAR). There are customizable statistics reports and standardized reports, including input/output measures, state totals, averages, and ratios, available.
Tag Archive for 'Public Libraries'
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Thanks to the newest LRS staff member, Lisa Boyd, the ROI Closer Look report is finally published. She was able to gather together all the individual pieces of the study and produce a document with all the ROI study findings in one place. Of course, the individual library reports, calculators, and other ROI information are still available on the ROI webpage. Read more and comment on the LRS blog.
For most of the libraries participating in the study, the return on investment (ROI) was approximately five to one—that is, for every $1.00 spent on public libraries, $5.00 of value was realized by taxpayers.
Thanks to the staff at the eight participating libraries who generously shared their time and expertise to make this study possible.
Red Feather Lakes Community Library launched a brand new website today!
In addition to browsing the library’s online catalog, patrons can access the latest library news; check out upcoming events, view an online photo album for the library, and even access Red Feather’s Facebook account! Continue reading ‘Red Feather Lakes Community Library’s New Website’
Congratulations to Red Feather Lakes Community Library for its mention in the march issue of Woman’s Day Magazine!
Woman’s day magazine, in partnership with ALA, has been helping promote libraries by sharing stories about how libraries have changed women’s lives since 2002. Continue reading ‘Red Feather Lakes Community Library in Woman’s Day Magazine’
The Colorado State Library announced today that Colorado Libraries for Early Literacy, an advisory group to the State Library, will expand the Every Child Ready to Read program to 10 more public libraries in Colorado.
Every Child Ready to Read is a national initiative from the Public Library Association to promote pre-literacy skills in children from birth through age five in public libraries. Parents and caregivers can learn techniques for engaging their babies and young children in language and literacy games that promote learning and school-readiness. In the program, children have exposure to language and literature and arrive at kindergarten ready to learn. Research shows that early literacy activities can have a life-long effect on language and learning. Continue reading ‘Every Child Ready To Read Adds 10 Libraries in Colorado’
You may now apply for a Mini-Grant for the 2009 Summer Reading Program!
The Colorado State Library will award 60 Mini-Grants of $175 each to public libraries to support and promote the 2009 “Be Creative” and/or “Express Yourself” Summer Reading Program in their local communities. Priority will be given to libraries below 10,000 Legal Service Area (LSA) population and libraries in non-metro locations.
Visit www.cde.state.co.us/cdelib/SummerReading/minigrants.htm for more information and to apply. Please submit the application and agreement form by Friday, January 30, 2009.
How critical is reference to the survival of libraries? Should the library profession do more to promote reference services? In less than a minute you can tell us what you think about reference services.
Let us know what you think at: http://surveys.lrs.org/respond.php?sid=50
Why This Topic
The questions on this survey were inspired by a discussion on a national listerv for virtual reference librarians. It was a fascinating discussion with varied opinions being expressed on everything from usage to promotion. Of course, LRS staff were curious about what the folks in library land thought about these issues. So, here is the second LRS 60-Second Survey: Reference Service – Where is it Going?
About 60-Second Surveys
The 60-second surveys are intended to capture respondents’ gut-reactions to questions about narrowly defined, high-interest topics. Taking less than a minute of the respondent’s time, these are truly quickie surveys. This is not a scientific study, but rather a reader poll-style survey (think online magazine survey) that “takes the temperature” of a very specific topic.
The 2008-2009 Public Library Funding & Technology Access Survey is underway. I encourage Colorado public libraries to participate in this important national survey. The findings from this study will give public library administrators, librarians, boards, and advocates powerful data to use when talking about Colorado libraries. This is the kind of data that speaks volumes to legislators, the media, and the general public.
The goal for each state is a 60% response rate. Colorado is about half way there at 29.7%. Any public library or library branch can participate. Also, in order to make things a little clearer (hopefully!), keep in mind there are TWO URL’s: one for non-Opportunity Online participants and one for Opportunity Online participants.
For more information see the ALA Press release and last year’s survey results.
Thanks.
Nicolle
Some exciting news for Colorado this month! Robbie Marks and Keith Lance have an article in the September issue of School Library Journal, pp 44 – 47, on the positive correlation between public library services and early reading success. In the sidebar are quotes by Carol Wagstaff (Douglas County Libraries) and Maxine Curley (Mesa County Public Library District). There is also a mention of Colorado Libraries for Early Literacy (CLEL), an early literacy group formed in January 2008.
For more information:
- -Fast Facts: Colorado Public Libraries Help Children Get Ready to Read
- -Closer Look: Early Literacy Programs and Practices at Colorado Public Libraries
- -Colorado Libraries for Early Literacy (CLEL)
Note: CLEL members will be presenting a session on early literacy at the Youth Services workshops in October. Register now for one of the 5 statewide workshops.
Gene Hainer pointed out this July 17 Gannett News Service article from the Fort Collins Coloradoan: “Library Demand Continues to Grow.” This was a Gannett News Organization syndication with local newspapers adding their own local information. See also, Salt Lake Tribune article. I didn’t find anything published in USA Today but one can hope, right?
Also, Jamie LaRue sent this link to the Dallas Morning News article, In economic slump, more flocking to North Texas libraries.
This type of press is great for libraries and these statistics and stories may be worth pointing out to local newspapers around Colorado. For more facts to support your case, see www.lrs.org
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