Public Library Survey (Annual Report)

I know that you will all be delighted to hear that the 2023 survey is now open!

Those of you who are new to the process may find it helpful to have a bit of background explaining what this is all about:

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

Questions you may be asking:

1. How do I get access to the survey questions?

-Go to nh.countingopinions.com  
-You will find your username and password in the email from Counting Opinions that you will receive today. Be aware that if you have saved it, it hasn’t changed from last year.


2. How much time do I have?

-This year's survey, covering the data from 2023, will be open for responses until Friday, April 12. That means you have 13 weeks to complete the questions.

3. What is different this year?

-There is only one change this year and that is that there are no longer any questions related to Covid-19.

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 maryann.niles@dncr.nh.gov .

Here are some things to help you get started:
            
-I am offering one-hour Zoom workshops for new directors covering how to complete the survey. Even if you are not new, you are welcome to join us if you would like a refresher. Just email me and I will send you the link for the date you choose.

Here are the times for sessions next week:
-Wed., 1/17         11:00 – 12:00
-Fri., 1/19         11:00 – 12:00

-For a paper copy of the survey that you can print out and work on before entering the numbers online, once you login to  nh.countingopinions.com you will see this link at the bottom of the page:

-Beginning next week, look for an email [or blog post] 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 that you want some help with. I will be offering individual Zoom appointments to help get you over the bumpy parts.

-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.

By the end of the day today [Friday, Jan. 12], an email will be sent to each library director from CountingOpinions.com including your username and password and the link to the portal login. Be aware that if you have done this in the past, your username and password are still the same.

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 and I’m sure this year will be no exception.

Let me know how I can help.

MaryAnn Niles
Reference Librarian & State Data Coordinator
Phone: 603-271-2060
Email: maryann.niles@dncr.nh.gov
New Hampshire State Library