The Library Journal article, “America’s Star Libraries”, by Ray Lyons and Keith Curry Lance (February 15, 2009) has generated a lot of interest among the nation’s public libraries, including Ohio public libraries.

 

The LJ article developed peer groups based on total operating expenditures. Ohio public libraries can easily use the same method to rate themselves with their peer libraries. To assist in that process, State Data Coordinator Lisa Hickle has developed spreadsheets placing libraries in one of nine categories based on their total operating expenditures for 2007 and 2008. The spreadsheets include each library’s data for the areas used by LJ: Circulation, Visits, Total Program Attendance, Public Internet Terminal Uses as well as Total Operating Revenue, Salaries & Benefits and Total Operating Expenditures.

 

How to use this data:

1.      Select the category (tab) of total operating expenditures in which your library falls.

2.      Highlight (select) the libraries you wish to compare yourself with. Copy and paste the data into a new spreadsheet.

3.      Calculate the per capita for each area and library you have selected into a new column.

4.      Sort your data in either ascending or descending order by the per capita column.

5.      Using this data, develop a chart to visually rate your library against others in your peer group.

 

Data can be used by staff and trustees to assess the strengths of your library as well as areas in which you can improve. The data can also be used with legislators, city officials and potential funders as you work to make your library the best it possibly can be.

 

Mark Rose, Director of Marion Public Library shares some of his data as well as thoughts on how this data can be used.