The 2025 Public Library Survey (PLS) is now OPEN!

I have exciting news. The NH 2025 Public Library Survey (a.k.a. Public Library Annual Report) is now open!  *cue sparkly lights and cheering fans*
 
Questions you may be asking:
 
1. How do I access the survey?
•    Your username and password will be in an email that you’ll receive later today. The Sender’s name is NH@countingopinions.com, and the Subject line will read NH Public Library Survey Access Information. 
•    Check your Spam and Junk folders if you don’t get the email by early next week. Please let me know if you don’t receive it.
•    If you saved your login information from last year, it hasn’t changed. 
•    Go to nh.countingopinions.com to log in and get started.
 
2. How much time do I have?
•    This year's survey will be open for responses until Thursday, April 30. That means you have 99 days (14 weeks and 1 day) to complete the questions. You can do it! Make a plan, pace yourself, and don’t wait until the last minute. 😊
 
3. What is different this year?
Nothing!  The FY2025 PLS is the same as it was for FY2024.

4. What help can I get to complete the survey?
Lots!  I am here to help you in a number of different ways, so if you have any questions don’t hesitate to contact me at 603-271-2060 or jennifer.m.finch@dncr.nh.gov.
 
Here are some things to help you get started:
•    For a paper copy of the survey that you can print out and work on before entering the numbers online, Download the Annual Report Worksheet or click on the link at the bottom of the survey login page.
•    For instructions on how to complete each section of the survey go to the FY2025 Annual Report Guide.
•    Beginning next week, look for an email from me each week with tips on how to complete two sections of questions. If you decide to follow along with me on those, your survey will be finished by the end of March.
•    Once you get started, you may find that you have a few questions or need some assistance. Contact me and we can work out the problem via phone, Zoom, or email.
•    If you are in a Co-op or other library group that would like to get an overview of the survey either in person, or on Zoom, let me know and we can set that up.
•    There is a LibGuide for the Public Library Survey available on the NHSL website.
  
5.  Why are we doing this?
Here’s some background for everyone, new and experienced survey filler-outers alike:
The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), a federal agency established in support of libraries, collects public library data nationally every year. As part of this process, the IMLS requires the NH State Library to collect the same data from all public libraries in NH that is being collected in every other state. They use this data to better understand your programs and services, and to see how our libraries compare to those in other states. Once the data has been entered, we at the state library compile it and make it available to you so that you may use it to see how your numbers compare with those from similar libraries, articulate your value, and help to tell the story of the importance of your library to your community. The data from past years may be found on our website:  https://www.nhsl.dncr.nh.gov/librarians/library-statistics

So, there we are. Thank you for working with me to complete this process. The New Hampshire libraries have done a great job on the survey in past years. I know you can do it again!
 
Let me know how I can help and watch your e-mailbox.

Jennifer M. Finch, MSLIS
Reference Librarian and State Data Coordinator
New Hampshire State Library
N.H. Department of Natural & Cultural Resources
20 Park St.
Concord, NH 03301
Office: 603-271-2060
Ref Desk: 603-271-2144
Jennifer.M.Finch@dncr.nh.gov