Happy New Year!

I hope this email finds you all well and excited about the new year ahead. It is once again time to submit your Public Library Annual Report. The 2015 public library annual reporting period is now open. The deadline to submit your Public Library Annual Report is April 1, 2016.

You should have received a letter last week which contains all the information you need to get started, including your username and password and an instruction sheet that walks you through the login process. All usernames and passwords remain the same as last year.

LibPAS (Library Performance Assessment System)
https://me.countingopinions.com/

2015 Instructions
http://www.maine.gov/msl/libs/statistics/annual/index.shtml

New this year is the Data/Evaluation/Annual Report<http://www.maine.gov/msl/libs/data/index.html> page on the Maine State Library website.  Here you will find links to tools and surveys, data sources, value calculators and training opportunities.

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 1st 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 1st 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.

The data that is collected conforms to the national data format with definitions created by the Public Library Statistics Cooperative (PLSC). The PLSC is a federally-funded program coordinated by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the Census Bureau, 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 level.

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
[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>
207-947-8336 ext. 116
1-800-427-8336