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Public Library Annual Survey

Changes for FY2023

Programming data elements have been reorganized for easier data entry. Libraries will enter the following data for each audience:

  • Number of in-person onsite program sessions
  • Number of in-person offsite program sessions
  • Number of virtual program sessions
  • Attendance at onsite programs
  • Attendance at offsite programs
  • Attendance at virtual programs

These will be summed automatically within LibPAS for audience totals and format totals. Less math for you!

Support Materials

FAQs

Q: Is passive programming included in our count of programs?

A: Passive programming - or self-directed activities - are not included in the total count of programs. However, you can now report them as a programming activity in 6.28 Total Number of Self-Directed Activities.


Q: What is the definition of a general (all ages) program?

A: A planned event for which there is no designated primary audience. If the event is intended to attract multiple age groups or types of patron groups, it is an all ages (general) program.


Q: Where should I report book delivery to shut-ins?

A: Report in 6.3 Curbside Transactions. Definition for this data element: "The number of contactless or minimal contact transactions for the purpose of circulating physical materials, taking place outside the library building. Similar terms could include outside, vestibule, or porch pickups, delivery (mail or dropoff), drive-thru, etc."


Q: Can one-on-one technology assistance be included in reference transactions?

A: It depends. If the assistance meets the criteria below, it can be reported in 6.2 Reference Transactions.

  • Assistance in using information sources (such as websites or library catalog)

Q: What is the difference between co-sponsor vs. collaboration (re: programming)?

Co-sponsor: have some input into organization of event and content. Collaborate: promote but don’t help with planning/content creation.

A: Co-sponsor can be counted in programming total – collaboration cannot.


Q: How can we report community use of meeting rooms?

A: PLAS does not collect data on this. Count for local use only.