BlogJunction Connecticut » Statistics

Survey for a Survey

Tom Newman — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 13:10:02 +0000

Attention Public Library Staff Who Completed the 2011 Annual Report for the State Library:

Thanks go out to those who helped fill out the Report last fall. Before the State Library examines what should be on next year’s Report, we would like to get some feedback from those of you who will have to suffer through it. We are not expecting the Report to change much, but we would appreciate getting your answers/opinions on some of these questions: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/CTAnnualReportSurvey

A short survey, there are only 10 questions. Thanks for your help.

Official Statistical Profile Released, Customized Charts Available

Tom Newman — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 21:13:43 +0000

The official version of the Connecticut Public Libraries : Statistical Profile July 2010 – June 2011 is now available. The only significant change from the preliminary version released in early December is an update to municipal tax revenue figures.

Also, as was done last year, the State Library is offering a suite of Excel charts customized for your particular library. These charts

show your library’s 2011 statistics and compare them to state averages and averages of towns with a similar population,
show your library’s statistical trends since 1996 (based on figures provided in annual reports each year),
may be copied and pasted into any document or presentation.

To ask for your library’s charts email Tom Newman, tom.newman@ct.gov .

Go to Automatic Chart-Makers to see an example of the charts, or to create charts yourself (including one that compares your library to 4 other libraries of your choice).

Questions? Contact me.

Library Use and Budgets Decline for Many Connecticut Public Libraries

Tom Newman — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 21:05:21 +0000

Preliminary findings from Annual Reports submitted recently by Connecticut public libraries for FY 2010-2011 indicate that library use has fallen from last year’s record highs. An early draft of the “Statistical Profile of Connecticut Public Libraries” shows circulation, library visits, and program attendance modestly lower than in FY2010. The chart section of the Profile illustrates statewide declines in library use statistics, as well as the clear erosion in financial support for libraries.

Possible reasons for this decline in statewide library use include:

The 2011 winter was particularly harsh.
The popularity of e-books and e-book readers. For reasons beyond the library community’s control, publishers and distributors have been very slow to sell e-books to libraries. There is pent-up demand there which most libraries have not been able to meet.
The recession is over. Many libraries receive a bounce in library use during recessions. Library use statistics usually flatten out during the rebound from a recession.
Libraries have reduced their hours in response to budget cuts.
Budget cuts have forced libraries to reduce library materials expenditures. This trend has gone on for several years. Normally it takes a couple years for this sort of reduction to effect circulation.
Budget cuts have also reduced expenditures on programs, which reduces program attendance and library visits.

A preliminary version of the Statistical Profile of Connecticut Public Libraries is now available for those who would like to refer to this resource during the early budget season. Please report errors/problems to Tom Newman. The official version of the Profile will be available on January 1.

State Report Deadline Just 3 Weeks Away

Tom Newman — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 15:51:12 +0000

The Public Library Annual Statistical Report and Application for State Aid deadline is November 15. Library Directors should have received their logon information. Contact Tom Newman, Connecticut State Library with questions. Thanks go out to the 41 public libraries that have already completed their report.

What Recent Statistics Say About Connecticut Public Libraries

Tom Newman — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 12:42:56 +0000

Circulation has increased 10% since 2007.
Library visits have increased 13%.
The % of total town/city tax revenue that goes to public libraries has dropped 17% since 2007.
Adjusting for inflation, materials expenditures have fallen 7% since 2005.
Filled Interlibrary loans are up 90% since 2006.
Connecticard loans (loans to non-residents) are up 10% since 2006.
Program attendance has increased 16% since 2007.
Connecticut ranks # 1 in the nation in Masters Degree library staff per capita.
Of 165 Connecticut principal public libraries, the smallest half of those libraries (83 libraries) serve only 15% of Connecticut’s population.

See a list of recent statistics, and how Connecticut fares in national rankings.

Connecticut Public Libraries are #1 in New England

Tom Newman — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 13:54:50 +0000

2009 Public Library Survey data, just released from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, shows that Connecticut Public Libraries top the other New England states in important use and support measures. Connecticut has the highest per-capita totals for Circulation, Materials Expenditures, MLS Librarians, Library Staff, Total Operating Income, and Operating Income from Local Taxes.

This PDF report shows how Connecticut fares against the other New England states.

Interlibrary Loan Report for FY2011

Tom Newman — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 15:24:50 +0000

The annual report on interlibrary loan activity, Connecticut Interlibrary Loan Activity, Academic and Special Libraries, July 2010 – June 2011, is now available as a PDF. Thanks go out to all the academic and special libraries that reported their ILL activity this year.

Please note that public libraries are not included in this year’s report. Instead they will be submitting their ILL statistics on the Annual Report/Survey due on November 15 and these figures will be reported in the Statistical Profile.

Reminder – ILL Statistics due July 31

Tom Newman — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 19:04:48 +0000

The Connecticut State Library compiles Interlibrary Loan statistics from academic, special, and public libraries. Previously we did this on a monthly basis, but for FY2011 we are just asking libraries to provide year-end statistics.

Academic and special libraries should use this report form.

Public libraries will report their ILL statistics on the Annual Report and Application for State Aid. You may have used this worksheet we provided for tabulating your monthly reports. If so, please make sure that the person who completes the Annual Report gets these figures. The Annual Report isn’t due until November. Thanks!

Let me know if you have any questions

A New Fiscal Year Means a New Public Library Annual Report

Tom Newman — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 18:48:12 +0000

Information on completing the 2011 Annual Report and Application for State Aid has just gone out by e-mail to all public library directors. If you are a library director who did not receive this information, please let me know.

The Annual Report is critical for state and national data gathering on public libraries. The link above provides more information, a list of changes, an instruction sheet, and a 15-minute online tutorial.

Some reminders:

The annual ILL report public libraries previously submitted in July is now incorporated into the Annual Report
Don’t forget to include iCONN audio downloadable circulation in your circulation totals.

Per statute, the DEADLINE for submission is 4 P.M. on November 15, 2011. The preliminary version of the “Statistical Profile of CT Public Libraries” should be available shortly thereafter. The Statistics page on WebJunction CT has more information on the Annual Report and Statistical Profile.

Contact me with questions.

Interlibrary Loan Statistics for FY2011

Tom Newman — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 13:34:57 +0000

Academic and special libraries should use this report form.

Let me know if you have any questions.