Hello Library Directors!
I hope this email finds you all well. I’m sure you’re all very busy gathering up your various pieces of data but I wanted to take a moment to remind you that the April 1st is just six weeks away.  Please reach out sooner rather than later if you need assistance.

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 256 public libraries in Maine and over 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.

Assistance:  For questions or help filling out and submitting the Public Library Annual Report

 

Jenny Melvin, Library Data Specialist

Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Phone: 207-650-0190
Email:  [log in to unmask]

 

Over the next couple of months I am offering virtual office hours for libraries who have questions or would like assistance filling out the report.  If this is something you might be interested in, you can fill out the request form using the link below. Please note I will be unavailable for assistance March 4th - March 8th.

 

Annual Report Virtual Office Hours Request Form:  https://forms.gle/YwWuZ1pERPjGMP9y6

 

Submission Period – January 2, 2024 through 5 pm on April 1, 2024

 

Each library was mailed a letter in mid-December which contains all the information you need to get started. All usernames and passwords remain the same. If you can't find your login credentials, you can request it on the LibPAS login screen or contact me at [log in to unmask]

 

Deadline – The deadline to complete and submit your FY23 Public Library Annual Report is 5 pm on April 1, 2024.

Helpful Links -

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

Maine Public Library Annual Report Information:  https://www.maine.gov/msl/libs/statistics/annual/index.shtml

FY23 Annual Report Definitions and Instructions:  https://www.maine.gov/msl/libs/statistics/annual/documents/2023AnnualReportInstructionsandDefinitions.pdf 

FY23 Annual Report Form:  https://www.maine.gov/msl/libs/statistics/annual/documents/2023AnnualReportForm.pdf

CloudLibrary Statistics:  https://www.maine.gov/msl/libs/statistics/annual/documents/AnnualReportCloudLibraryInstructions.pdf

Electronic Materials Guide: https://www.maine.gov/msl/libs/statistics/annual/documents/CountingElectronicMaterialsGuide_000.pdf

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

LibraryWorld Statistics:  https://www.maine.gov/msl/libs/statistics/annual/LibraryWorldStatisticsfortheAnnualReport.docx

Evergreen Statistics for Maine Balsam Libraries:  https://www.mainebalsamlibraries.org/state-report-instructions-circulation-folder/

Data Input Instructions for LibPAS: http://www.screencast.com/t/0pRvnMU9h  (15 minute video)


Communication– 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.

As a reminder, it is the sole responsibility of each library to ensure that the annual report has been accurately and completely submitted by the April 3rd deadline. This also applies to any follow-up information that is requested after the report is submitted. 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 collecting, interpreting, 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.

Many thanks for all you do!
Jenny

 

Jenny Melvin Smith . Library Data Specialist

Maine State Library – Library Development

242 State Street . Augusta, Maine . 207-650-0190

[log in to unmask] . www.maine.gov/msl/