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South Dakota State Library Services

A list of services provided by the South Dakota State Library.

Public Libraries Survey (annual report)

  • The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) collects from more than 9,200 public libraries. The federal data elements provide a set of baseline statistics for every library in the U.S.
  • Some of the questions on the PLS are for data and information that the state uses for reporting, and for planning library development services.
  • All of our designated public libraries participate annually in the SD PLS. Compliance is tied to receiving federal dollars that support our statewide electronic resources and other reference and informational services to South Dakota citizens.
  • The annual Public Libraries Data Digest provides a snapshot of statewide summary data from the PLS.
  • The most current South Dakota public library statistics are available. Contact the SDSL Data Coordinator for assistance.
  • You can use annual report statistics for benchmarking (peer comparisons), demonstrating need, resource allocation, and to shout out what your library adds to your community.
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New Federal Data Element: Website Visits

In order to tell a more accurate story about library usage, the IMLS has added “Website Visits” to the federal data elements collected on the Public Libraries Survey. The new element is added as a trial collection in the first year, giving all of us time to learn how to collect it. That means you should report it if you can, but it will not be required this year. This is the data element definition:

Visits represent the annual number of sessions initiated by all users from inside or outside the library to the library website. The library website consists of all webpages under the library’s domain. A website “visit” or “session” occurs when a user connects to the library’s website for any length of time or purpose, regardless of the number of pages or elements viewed. Usage of library social media accounts (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, etc.) should not be reported here.

How can I use the Public Libraries Survey statistics?

The State Library makes the data available for use by South Dakota public librarians and their stakeholders. Use statistics from "peer" libraries to demonstrate need, for resource allocation, and to show the good your library does for your community.

If you want to know more or you would like help accessing and analyzing your library's data, contact the SDSL Data Coordinator.

Annual reports for individual public libraries are available on request. Contact the State Library Data Coordinator.

Here are a few tools to help you combine your library's financial and services statistics with information about patron expectations, community goals, and potential partnerships.

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