Iowa Public Library Statistics, 2004-2005

Public library statistics are taken from the annual survey. The statistics are used at the local, regional, state, and national levels to compare library performance, justify budget requests, track library data over time, assist in planning and evaluation, and provide valuable information for grants and other library programs. The annual survey collects current information from 543 public libraries about public service outlets, holdings, staffing, income, expenditures, circulation, services, and hours open. Furthermore, it helps provide a total picture of libraries on a state and nationwide basis. This report is authorized by law (Iowa Code 256.51 (H)). Each of the 50 states collects public library information according to guidelines established by the Federal State Cooperative System for public library data (FSCS). The information contained in the Iowa Public Library Statistics is based on definitions approved by FSCS. For additional information, contact Gerry Rowland, State Library, gerry.rowland@lib.state.ia.us; 1-800-248-4483.

Iowa Public Library Statistics, 2003-2004

Public library statistics are taken from the annual survey. The statistics are used at the local, regional, state, and national levels to compare library performance, justify budget requests, track library data over time, assist in planning and evaluation, and provide valuable information for grants and other library programs. The annual survey collects current information from 543 public libraries about public service outlets, holdings, staffing, income, expenditures, circulation, services, and hours open. Furthermore, it helps provide a total picture of libraries on a state and nationwide basis. This report is authorized by law (Iowa Code 256.51 (H)). Each of the 50 states collects public library information according to guidelines established by the Federal State Cooperative System for public library data (FSCS). The information contained in the Iowa Public Library Statistics is based on definitions approved by FSCS. For additional information, contact Gerry Rowland, State Library, gerry.rowland@lib.state.ia.us; 1-800-248-4483.

LSTA Five Year Plan Evaluation Report 2003-2007, 2007

The mission of the State Library of Iowa is to advocate for Iowa libraries and to promote excellence and innovation in library services, in order to provide statewide access to information for all Iowans. Federal support through LSTA funds has been critical to the State Library’s ability to fulfill this mission. Ultimately, the State Library seeks to sustain a state of learners because lifelong learning is essential to individual success and to a democratic society. State Library support empowers Iowa libraries of all types to provide leadership and services to enhance learning in families and communities, to build 21st century skills, to sustain cultural heritage and to increase civic participation.

LSTA Five Year Plan Evaluation, 1998-2002, 2002

The LSTA goals for Iowa, FY98-FY02, are as follows: 1. Provide all Iowans with expanded access to information and materials through the State of Iowa Libraries Online (SILO) network. 2. Improve library service to Iowans through knowledgeable, well-trained staff and wellinformed public library trustees and library users. 3. Meet Iowans’ increasing demands for information and library services by identifying and encouraging resource sharing and partnerships. 4. Provide state level leadership and services to accomplish the LSTA Five-Year Plan. The primary objectives of this evaluation are to provide: $ An assessment of the overall impact of Iowa’s LSTA funding and success in achieving the goals identified in the state’s five-year plan. $ An in-depth analysis of two specific goals from the plan: providing Iowans with expanded access to information and materials through the State of Iowa Libraries Online (SILO) network; and improving library service to Iowans through knowledgeable, well-trained staff and well-informed public library trustees and library users. LSTA built on accomplishments made possible with the federal HEA II-B grant awarded to the State Library in 1995. This grant led the way in bringing technology to Iowa libraries by creating an electronic library network for resource sharing. SILO (State of Iowa Libraries Online) became fully functional in 1997. The State Library continued funding SILO with LSTA money when the grant ended. This funding supports the SILO infrastructure, providing equitable access to information through cutting edge technology to Iowans in both small and large, rural and urban, communities. Access to electronic material and information has encouraged public libraries to increase the number of computers and public access to the Internet. LSTA funding was used to increase training opportunities for library staff and trustees. Many programs, such as librarian certification, were strengthened by an increase in continuing education opportunities.

LSTA Five Year Plan Evaluation Report 2008-2012, March 29, 2012

The evaluation’s overarching question was “Did the activities undertaken through the state’s LSTA plan achieve results related to priorities identified in the Act?” The evaluation was conducted and is organized according to the six LSTA priorities. The research design employed two major methodologies: 1. Data sources from Iowa Library Services / State Library of Iowa2 as well as U.S and state sources were indentified for quantitative analysis. These sources, which primarily reflect outputs for various projects, included: Statistics from the Public Library Annual Survey Statistics collected internally by Iowa Library Services such as number of libraries subscribing to sponsored databases, number of database searches, attendance at continuing education events, number of interlibrary loan transactions Evaluation surveys from library training sessions, professional development workshops and other programs supported by LSTA funds Internal databases maintained by Iowa Library Services Impact results from post training evaluations conducted by Iowa Library Services 2010 Iowa census data from the U.S. Census Bureau LSTA State Program Reports for the grant period 2. Following the quantitative analysis, the evaluator gathered qualitative data through interviews with key employees, a telephone focus group with district library consultants and two surveys: LSTA Evaluation Survey (Public Libraries) and LSTA Evaluation Survey (Academic Libraries). Both surveys provided sound samples with 43 representatives of Iowa’s 77 academic libraries and 371 representatives of Iowa’s 544 public libraries participating. Respondents represented libraries of all sizes and geographical areas. Both surveys included multiple choice and rating scale items as well as open-ended questions from which results were coded to identify trends, issues and recommendations.