Understanding the Community and Its Needs
| Site: | MSL Learn |
| Course: | Written Plans |
| Book: | Understanding the Community and Its Needs |
| Printed by: | Guest user |
| Date: | Sunday, April 27, 2025, 1:02 AM |
Gather Data
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
Different Types of Data and Collection
Data collection methods vary in the amount and quality of data that can be collected and in the amount of work required to collect the data.
The Planning Committee should decide what level of data gathering is appropriate for your library’s strategic planning needs.
SURVEYS | INTERVIEWS and FOCUS GROUPS | STATISTICAL REPORTS | |
|---|---|---|---|
SAMPLE SIZE | Larger | Smaller | Larger |
PATRON PRIVACY | Can be anonymous | Confidential | Confidential |
BURDEN | Lower for data collector and respondent | Higher for data collector and respondent | Depends on whether the statistics are automated or collected manually |
TYPE OF INFORMATION COLLECTED | Self-reported; attitudes, perceptions, opinions, facts | Self-reported, unique experiences | Numbers |
Public Libraries Survey Dashboard
(13:41)
Tracy Cook provides an overview and demonstration for using the Public Libraries Survey Dashboard to inform written plans.
Objectives
- Introduce statistics dashboard
- Show how to use the dashboard to evaluate library usage
- Discuss how to use this data to set goals and make decisions
Additional Sources of Data
Decide what additional data or input the committee needs to collect.
- Are there trends in library use that the committee needs to learn more about?
- Is there additional community data or trends that the committee would like to discuss?
- Have other community organizations created strategic plans and/or gathered community input?
Needs Assessments
Of course, the library cannot address all your community’s needs, but it’s important to consider these needs and trends when writing your plan to ensure that your library services remain relevant to your community.
For example:
- Has there been a change in the service area population since the last time the library’s strategic plan has been reviewed?
- What about the demographics in the community – percentage of children, seniors, people below the poverty level?
- Has anything changed with the education or reading level in the community?
If any of these metrics have changed since the last time you wrote your plan, it would be a good idea for the community to discuss this and whether any of these groups would be considered a service priority for your library in the next three years.
US Census Data
MSL Consultant Cara Orban demonstrates the US Census community data website, the data within it and how to access it. She discusses how to use the information to learn more about your community or service area and set goals or make decisions about the future of the library.
(14:56)
Qualitative Data
What about qualitative data?
In simple terms, this would mean data that usually takes the form of words rather than numbers.
For example,
- How satisfied are people with the library building?
- With the library collection?
- With the library programs?
- Are there people in the community who find it difficult to use the library, and if so, is there anything the library can do to improve access for them?
Gathering qualitative data requires Engaging with Stakeholders in a variety of ways. Think of this as gathering the stories of user experiences and impressions of your library.