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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.
Access the Public Libraries Survey online report form at: https://sd.countingopinions.com
  • The FY 2020 South Dakota Public Libraries Survey is open February 1 - March 31, 2021.
  • Contact the SDSL Data Coordinator with your name, institution, and position if you need your library's account credentials to log in.
The following resources will help you complete your library's annual report.

They are also available on the online PLS form.

Worksheet contains definitions and instructions for PLS data elements on the FY 2020 annual report. Also find detailed instructions for reporting library programs and website visits in the appendices.

What Goes Where help sheet gives instructions for which fields to report specific items such as your library's digital collections, grants received by the library, other income/expenditure items, programs, and special instructions for school/public combo libraries.

(coming soon) Video overviews of PLS report form are approximately five minutes each and have helpful and detailed information on completing your library's annual report. You can also find links to these videos at the beginning of each section on the PLS online form.

  • Intro to the PLS - What is it? Why we do it.
  • Getting started - Details about navigating the online form
  • Section A - Admin info
  • Section B - Outlet info
  • Section C - Personnel
  • Section D - Income
  • Section E - Expenditures
  • Section F - Collection size
  • Section G(1) - Services
  • Section G(2) - Programs
  • Section H - Trustees
  • Section I - Supplemental questions
  • Section J - Submit the annual report
FAQs - Got a question? You might find your answer here.  
If not, please contact the SDSL Data Coordinator.

 

Public service hours (A24)

Q: Since our hours changed in April and again in July what should I put down? Our hours normally, currently, combination?

A: Fill in the schedule grid with the hours your library would normally be open (under non-pandemic circumstances.

 

Public computers (G32)

Q: We normally have 8 public access computers but with COVID spacing we are down to 3. How would you like me to report that?

A: You probably had 8 until sometime in March and if you anticipate opening all stations up again after the pandemic, then report 8 and leave a note that says you reduced available public computers to 3 during the pandemic.

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.