US

Public library indexes

Wikipedia has a small but interesting article on library ratings. It is mainly concerned with two competing US indexes:

• LJ Index of Public Library Service
• Hennen’s American Public Library Ratings Information (HAPLR)

HAPLR goes back to the late nineties. The LJ Index was launched in 2009.

HALPR was a pioneer and deserves praise for that. But from a statistics point of view, the LJ Index is clearly the more professional one.

The LJ Index is based on four equally weighted per-capita statistics with comparison groups based on total operating expenditures.

• library visits
• circulation
• program attendance
• public internet computer use

The system awards 5-star, 4-star, and 3-star designations rather than library ranks.

• Plinius Data has done some work based on the  2006. US. LJ Index. Data set.

In HAPLR, libraries are ranked on 15 input and output measures with comparisons in broad population categories.

Resources

• IMLS Library Statistics – Overview
• NCES Library Statistics Program
• Library Research Service. State Public Library Statistics
• LRS. Resources for Community Analysis
• ACRL Academic Library Statistics

From October 1, 2007, the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) will administer the Public Library Survey and the State Library Agency Survey, effective October 1.

These two surveys were administered by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) from its inception in 1989 through 2007. NCES continues to conduct the Academic Libraries Survey and the School Library Media Center Survey.

Current, accurate and ongoing collection of library data is an essential foundation for quality library services in the United States. The Institute is committed to the continued excellence of this program.

Indexes

• FAQ on the LJ Index
• Frequently Asked Questions on the HAPLR Index
• Plinius Data has done some work with the  2006. US. LJ Index. Data set.

Academic

Developing indicators for academic library performance ratios from the ASRL statistics 1993-94 and 1994-95. Introduction. Current context for performance indicators in higher education, by Martha Kyrillidou Program Officer, ARL Statistics and Measurement. http://www.arl.org/bm~doc/context95.pdf