California Public Library Survey Instructions 2023-2024
These instructions are written to assist you in filing this year’s California Public Libraries Survey. The report incorporates data elements requested by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
- Section 1: Directory and Administrative Information
- Section 2: Population and Outlets
- Section 3: Library Income
- Section 4: Library Expenditures
- Section 5: Library Staff
- Section 6: Library Collection
- Section 7: Library Services — Hours, Visits, Reference, Circulation
- Section 7: Library Services — Programming
- Section 7: Library Services — Electronic
- Section 8: Referenda
- Section 9: Bookmobiles
- Section 10: Outlets
General Instructions
View resources for completing the Public Libraries Survey
In financial sections, report whole dollars only, omit cents.
Enter “0” if the entry is zero.
If a figure is unknown, check the “missing” box. This will insert a “-1” in the data field.
Do not repeat last year’s figure if the figure for this year is unknown. This will result in a request for clarification/verification from the State Data Coordinator.
There are edit check functions on many data elements. If you enter an amount that is significantly different than the previous year, for instance, you will receive an error message. Please verify the accuracy of your entry, and if it is correct, make a Note explaining the difference by clicking on the Notepad icon to the left of the data entry box.
The due date for completion of this year’s annual report is Thursday, October 31, 2024.
Questions? Contact LibraryStatistics@library.ca.gov.