What is the Annual Report?
- New Mexico participates in the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Public Library Survey (PLS, a.k.a Annual Report), which is a federal survey used to collect data from U.S. public libraries.
- Examples of collected data: revenue, expenditures, number of library visits, number of circulations, collection size, hours open, staffing, technology, etc.
- Annual data has been collected since 1988.
- Approximately 9,000 U.S. public libraries with about 17,000 branches submit surveys.
- The New Mexico State Library (NMSL) currently recognizes 101 public and tribal public libraries across the state. This number includes developing public libraries.
When is the Annual Report Completed?
- The survey opens every July 1 and runs through mid-August.
- Data collected covers library business and activities for the immediate previous fiscal year (July 1 through June 30).
Why is the Annual Report Completed?
- Completing and submitting the annual report serves as a recognized public library's application for state grants-in-aid.
- Information provided in the annual report must be complete, accurate, and reflect library records maintained by the library director and local financial officials.
- Each annual report is reviewed and checked for accuracy.
- Inaccurate information may affect state aid eligibility.
- Data collected is used to observe when, where, and how library services change to meet public needs.
- This data is useful to not only libraries, but to federal, state & local policymakers for planning, funding, evaluation, policy making, and supporting libraries.
- Collected data is compiled into a national annual report. See IMLS.gov.
How is the Annual Report Completed?
- New Mexico's survey is completed online using Baker & Taylor’s Bibliostat CollectConnect.
