Gather Community Input

Your methods for gathering community input may vary depending on the size of your library. Consider using focus groups, community meetings, surveys, or using existing community survey data as you set your goals and priorities. 

Comparison of Data Collection Methods
 

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