Public Library Survey and Dashboard
| Site: | MSL Learn |
| Course: | Trustee Essentials: Responsibilities |
| Book: | Public Library Survey and Dashboard |
| Printed by: | Guest user |
| Date: | Friday, April 4, 2025, 11:16 AM |
About Public Library Statistics
The Montana State Library Public Library Annual Statistical Report, also referred to as the Public Libraries Survey (PLS), provides statistics on the status of public libraries in Montana. The submission is an essential standard as outlined in Administrative Rules of Montana 10.102.1155 Annual Statistical Report and 10.102.1158 Library Board, Governance, and Working with the Director. These statistics are in turn submitted to the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), allowing peer comparisons between libraries of similar variables across the country.
Watch this short video to learn what the PLS is and annual timelines.
Data includes information about library visits, circulation, size of collections, public service hours, staffing, electronic resources, operating revenues and expenditures and number of service outlets. These data are used by federal, state and local officials, professional associations, and local practitioners for planning, evaluation, and policy making.
Practical Use of the PLS Data - Understand and Tell Your Library Story
Watch this short video for an examples of how you might use data to understand the impact library services have in your community and telling that story.
Navigating the Dashboards
Watch this short video to see a demonstration of how to access and navigate PLS data.
Access the PLS Dashboards
Now that you have learned a little bit about the PLS and Data Dashboard, take a few moments to think about any questions you might answer with data from the PLS dashboard.
Here are a couple of questions to get you started:
- How many programs do we offer?
- How many materials are circulating each year?
- How much does our community rely on the library's WiFi?
You can always access up-to-date information about the annual PLS on the MSL Website. Don't forget to visit the PLS Dashboard!
Your next step is to take a look at Guides, Handbooks, and Other Useful Resources and then complete the final activities in the course.