Understanding the Community and Its Needs

Gather Data

Gather data with a group of ducks Gather what data is already available, such as your library’s budget, statistics, and community Census data from recent years. The Montana State Library’s Public Libraries Survey data dashboard can help you to retrieve your library’s statistics from the past few years.

Data available in the dashboard includes:

Circulation for different formats and audiences
Collection counts
Number of reported library visits
Number of public service interactions
Expenses and revenues
Number of programs and program attendance
Public computer and WiFi use