Happy New Year!

I hope this email finds you all well and excited about the new year ahead. It is time once again to submit your Public Library Annual Report. The Public Library Annual Report provides statistics on the status of public libraries in Maine and is part of a larger Public Library Survey (PLS) that is administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Data is collected from approximately 263 public libraries in Maine and 9,000 public libraries nationally with the mission to collect and publish accurate, consistent and comparable public library statistics on an annual basis from each state. The data is intended for use on the local, state and federal levels.

The deadline to complete and submit your FY17 Public Library Annual Report is April 2, 2018.

Each library should have received a letter in mid-December which contains all the information you need to get started, including your username and password. All usernames and passwords remain the same. If you can't find your login, you can request it on the LibPAS login screen or contact me at [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>.

New Data Elements on the FY17 Maine Public Library Annual Report:
Much of the content of the Annual Report is determined by the team of State Data Coordinators (one from each state library agency), working with the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). Each year we convene to put forth proposals for changes to the report. Over the course of several months the proposals are considered and then voted on. This year three new data elements have been added to the Public Library Annual Report. That being said, we recognize that not every library will be able to report on every single data element on the report.  Two of the new data elements are auto-total fields so there is no additional collection efforts required by the library.

#1)  6.7 Successful Retrieval of Electronic Information (Databases)

The purpose of the data element is designed to capture the use of online content (paid commercial databases) provided by libraries. Online content does not require a traditional circulation.

MARVEL database usage statistics are currently only available at the state level.

The number of full-content units or descriptive records examined, downloaded, or otherwise supplied to user, from online library resources that require user authentication but DO NOT have a circulation period.

Examining documents is defined as having the full text of a digital document or electronic resource downloaded or fully displayed. Some electronic services do not require downloading as simply viewing documents is normally sufficient for user needs.

Include use both inside and outside the library. Do not include use of the OPAC or website.

Include Retrieval from the following: Zinio, TumbleBooks, InstantFix, Hoopla Music, Literature Resource Center, Safari Tech Books, etc.

#2) 6.10 Electronic Content Use: The total annual count of usage (circulation) of electronic materials and successful retrieval of electronic information.
Usage of electronic collections, as defined by: 1) download of text, audio and video; 2) view of an online record, document, text, and/or image; and 3) streaming of audio or video files.

Include usage only for those items included in Electronic Collections.

Report the usage of electronic collections acquired through curation, payment or formal agreement, by source of access.

This is an auto-total field and will be calculated based on the data you provide for the following:

6.7 Successful Retrieval of Electronic Information (Databases)

6.2 and 6.5 Electronic Material Circulation (Use).

#3)  6.12 Total Collection Use: The total annual count of physical item circulation, circulation of electronic material and successful retrieval of electronic information.

This is an auto-total field and will be calculated based on the data you provide for the following:

6.3 Total Children/YA Circulation

6.6 Total Adult Circulation

6.7 Successful Retrieval of Electronic Information (Databases)

Helpful Links:
Online Annual Report Form: LibPAS (Library Performance Assessment System) https://me.countingopinions.com/

2017 Annual Report Instructions http://www.maine.gov/msl/libs/statistics/annual/index.shtml

CloudLIbrary Statistics:  http://www.maine.gov/msl/libs/statistics/annual/2017CloudlibraryInstructions.pdf

MILS, Minerva and Ursus Circulation Statistics:  http://www.maineinfonet.org/supportportal/statistics/

As usual, reminder emails will be posted on MeLibs and MeInfo listservs around the end of January and February, in mid-March, and one week before the April 2nd  deadline.

Please keep in mind it is the sole responsibility of each library to ensure that the annual report has been accurately and completely submitted by the April 2nd deadline. This also applies to any follow-up information that is requested. Prompt replies to requests for follow-up information is very much appreciated. Visit http://www.maine.gov/msl/about/commission/rule.htm  for information on the MLC Rules Regarding Responsibilities of Public Libraries.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have questions or need help interpreting, reporting or submitting your data. I am more than happy to assist you in any way I can.

The Maine State Library sincerely appreciate the work and dedication it takes to collect and report accurate data.

Thank you,
Jenny


Jenny Melvin
State Data Coordinator
Maine State Library
145 Harlow Street
Bangor, ME 04401
207-947-8336 ext. 116
1-800-427-8336