FY2016 PLS Data Element Definitions

State Characteristics Data Element Definitions
Note: The following items are answered by the state library agency.
#

Data Element Name
(Variable Name)

Data Element Definition

100

Reporting Period
Starting Date
(STARTDAT)

101

Reporting Period
Ending Date
(ENDDATE)

102

State Total
Population Estimate
(POPU_ST)

103

Total Unduplicated
Population of Legal
Service Areas
(POPU_UND)

This is the earliest date (month and year) for a 12-month period
that applies to the state’s data being submitted to IMLS.
Note: Reporting period means data for the fiscal year that ended in
the previous calendar year. If data are collected for different local
reporting periods, provide the earliest starting date.
This is the latest date (month and year) for a 12-month period that
applies to the state’s data being submitted to IMLS.
Note: Reporting period means data for the fiscal year that ended in
the previous calendar year. If data are collected for different local
reporting periods, provide the latest ending date.
This is the most recent total population figure for your state that
matches the local population figures that you are submitting to
IMLS. The State Data Coordinator should obtain this figure
annually from the State Data Center or other state sources.
This is the total unduplicated population of those areas in your
state that receive library services. The population of unserved
areas is not included in this figure.
Note: A state’s actual total population of legal service areas may
be different from the total population of legal service areas as
calculated by PLS Web Portal. This happens in states where there
are overlaps in population of legal service areas served by
individual libraries, resulting in the same population being
counted twice in the PLS Web Portal calculation. For states that
have no overlapping jurisdictions, this number will be identical to
your state’s total population of legal service areas as calculated by
PLS Web Portal. For states that do have overlaps in population of
legal service areas served by individual libraries, this number
must be calculated separately.
Use your state’s most recent state population figures for
jurisdictions in your state as the basis for calculating the total
unduplicated population of legal service areas.

Administrative Entity Data Element Definitions
Administrative Entity. (This is not a PLS Web Portal Data Element.) This is the agency that is
legally established under local or state law to provide public library service to the population of a

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local jurisdiction. The administrative entity may have a single outlet, or it may have more than one
outlet.
#
Data Element Name
Data Element Definition
(Variable Name)
150

150a
151
152

152a

FSCS ID (Automatic
Display)
(FSCSKEY)
Structure Status
(STATSTRU)
LIB ID
(LIBID)
Name
(LIBNAME)

Name Status
(STATNAME)

Street Address
153
Street Address
(ADDRESS)
153a
154
155

Address Status
(STATADDR)
City (of street address)
(CITY)
ZIP Code (of street
address)
(ZIP)

Mailing Address
157
Mailing Address
(ADDRES_M)
158
City (of mailing address)
(CITY_M)
159
ZIP Code (of mailing
address)
(ZIP_M)

This is the identification code assigned by PLS Web
Portal to the administrative entity.
This is the Structure Change Code to record actions such
as adding, deleting, or merging.
This is the state-assigned identification code for the
administrative entity.
This is the legal name of the administrative entity.
Note: Provide the name of the public library. Do not use
acronyms. Do not abbreviate the name unless it exceeds
the PLS Web Portal field length of 60 characters. Avoid
abbreviations at the beginning of the name and do not
punctuate abbreviations. (See Standard Abbreviations for
PLS Web Portal in Appendix G.)
This is the Name Change Code to identify whether the
change is an official name change.
This is the complete street address of the administrative
entity.
Note: Do not report a post office box or general delivery.
This is the Address Change Code to identify whether the
address change is an actual location change.
This is the city or town in which the administrative entity
is located.
This is the standard five-digit postal zip code for the street
address of the administrative entity.

This is the mailing address of the administrative entity.
This is the city or town of the mailing address for the
administrative entity.
This is the standard five-digit postal ZIP code for the
mailing address of the administrative entity.

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#

Data Element Name
(Variable Name)

Data Element Definition

161

County of the Entity
(CNTY)
Phone
(PHONE)

This is the county in which the headquarters of the
administrative entity is physically located.

162

200

Interlibrary Relationship
Code
(C_RELATN)

201

Legal Basis Code
(C_LEGBAS)

This is the telephone number of the administrative entity,
including area code.
Note: Report telephone number without spacing or
punctuation. If the Administrative Entity has no phone,
enter “- 3” (for Not Applicable).
Select one of the following:
HQ—Headquarters of a Federation or Cooperative. The
library or entity that provides the physical space and staff
who manage, coordinate, or administer the programs of
the federation or cooperative.
Note: Agencies that serve other libraries rather than the
public should not be reported to FSCS.
ME—Member of a Federation or Cooperative. An
autonomous library joined by formal or informal
agreement(s) with (a) other autonomous libraries in the
same state to perform various services cooperatively, such
as resource sharing, communications, etc., and (b)
libraries that are part of national, multi-state or statewide
library federations or cooperatives. (Do not include
OCLC.) Do not include multiple outlet administrative
entities (e.g., libraries with branches and that have the
word “system” in their legal name) if the entity does not
have an agreement with another autonomous library.
NO—Not a Member of a Federation or Cooperative.
The legal basis is the type of local government structure
within which the entity functions. It reflects the state or
local law, which authorizes the library.
Select one of the following:
CC—City/County. A multi-jurisdictional entity that is
operated jointly by a county and a city.
CI—Municipal Government (city, town or village). A
municipal government is an organized local government
authorized in a state’s constitution and statutes and
established to provide general government for a specific
concentration of population in a defined area.
CO—County/Parish. An organized local government
authorized in a state’s constitution and statutes and
established to provide general government.

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#

202

Data Element Name
(Variable Name)

Administrative
Structure Code
(C_ADMIN)

Data Element Definition
LD—Library District. A library district is a local entity
other than a county, municipality, township, or school
district that is authorized by state law to establish and
operate a public library as defined by FSCS. It has
sufficient administrative and fiscal autonomy to qualify as
a separate government. Fiscal autonomy requires support
from local taxation dedicated to library purposes (e.g., a
library tax).
MJ—Multi-jurisdictional. An entity operated jointly by
two or more units of local government under an
intergovernmental agreement which creates a jointly
appointed board or similar means of joint governance; to
be distinguished from a library which contracts to serve
other jurisdictions and from special library districts.
Note: Please put city/county combinations under ‘CC’,
rather than under Multi-jurisdictional.
NL—Native American Tribal Government. An organized
local government authorized and established to provide
general government to residents of a Native American
reservation.
Note: Include native Alaskan villages in this category.
NP—Nonprofit Association or Agency. An entity
privately controlled but meeting the statutory definition of
a public library in a given state; includes association
libraries and libraries with 501(c) designation.
SD—School District. An organized local entity providing
public elementary, secondary, and/or higher education,
which under state law, has sufficient administrative and
fiscal autonomy to qualify as a separate government.
Excludes “dependent public school systems” of county,
municipal, township, or state governments.
OT—Other.
This code identifies an autonomous library entity
(administrative entity) that has its own governance and
funding.
An administrative entity is the agency that is legally
established under local or state law to provide public
library service to the population of a local jurisdiction.
The administrative entity may have a single outlet, or it
may have more than one outlet.
Select one of the following:

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#

Data Element Name
(Variable Name)

203

FSCS Public Library
Definition
(C_FSCS)

204

Geographic Code
(GEOCODE)

Data Element Definition
MA—Administrative Entity with Multiple Direct Service
Outlets where Administrative Offices are separate. An
administrative entity that serves the public directly with
two or more service outlets, including some combination
of one central library, branch(es), bookmobile(s), and/or
books-by mail only. The administrative offices are
separate from the direct service outlets and do not provide
direct library services.
MO—Administrative Entity with Multiple Direct Service
Outlets where Administrative Offices are Not Separate.
An administrative entity that serves the public directly
with two or more service outlets, including some
combination of one central library, branch(es),
bookmobile(s), and/or books-by mail only.
SO—Administrative Entity with a Single Direct Service
Outlet. An administrative entity that serves the public
directly with one central library, books-by-mail only, or
one bookmobile.
Answer es or o to the following question: “Does
this public library meet all the criteria of the FSCS public
library definition?”
A public library is an entity that is established under state
enabling laws or regulations to serve a community,
district, or region, and that provides at least the following:
1. An organized collection of printed or other library
materials, or a combination thereof;
2. Paid staff;
3. An established schedule in which services of the staff
are available to the public;
4. The facilities necessary to support such a collection,
staff, and schedule; and
5. Is supported in whole or in part with public funds.
Note: If the library meets all of the requirements of this
definition, respond with a es. If the library does not
meet one or more of the requirements, respond with a
o.
Choose from among the following types of readily
available Census geography, one code that either exactly
or most nearly describes the geographic area for which the
public library has been established to offer services and
from which (or on behalf of which) the library derives

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Data Element Name
(Variable Name)

205

Legal Service Area
Boundary Change
(LSABOUND)

206

Reporting Period
Starting Date
(STARTDAT)

Data Element Definition
revenue, plus any areas served under contract for which
the library is the primary service provider.
Note: The Population of Legal Service Area (data element
#208) should be reflected in the geographic code selected.
For further clarification of municipal government,
county/parish, and school district, refer to definitions
under Legal Basis Code (data element #201). For further
clarification of metropolitan area, see Metropolitan Status
Code “NC—Metropolitan Area, but Not Within Central
City Limits” (data element #710—Outlet Data
Element Definitions).
CI1—Municipal Government (city, town or village)
(exactly)
CI2—Municipal Government (city, town or village) (most
nearly)
CO1—County/Parish (exactly)
CO2—County/Parish (most nearly)
MA1—Metropolitan Area (exactly)
MA2—Metropolitan Area (most nearly)
MC1—Multi-County (exactly)
MC2—Multi-County (most nearly)
SD1—School District (exactly)
SD2—School District (most nearly)
OTH—Other
Answer es or o to the following question: “Did
the administrative entity’s legal service area boundaries
change since last year?”
Note: Changes are likely to result, for example, when a
municipality annexes land, when one municipality in a
county becomes either an independent city or its own
county necessitating its exclusion from the first county’s
geography, or when an administrative entity contracts to
provide public library service for some additional
geographic area other than the geographic area for which
it was established (e.g., a municipal library contracts to
serve county residents).
This is the starting date (month, day, and year) for a 12month period that applies to the administrative entity’s
data being submitted to IMLS.
Note: Reporting period means data for the fiscal year that
ended in the previous calendar year.
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#

Data Element Name
(Variable Name)

Data Element Definition

207

Reporting Period Ending
Date
(ENDDATE)

208

Population of the Legal
Service Area
(POPU_LSA)

209

Number of Central
Libraries
(CENTLIB)

210

Number of Branch
Libraries
(BRANLIB)

This is the ending date (month, day, and year) for a 12month period that applies to the administrative entity’s
data being submitted to IMLS.
Note: Reporting period means data for the fiscal year that
ended in the previous calendar year.
The number of people in the geographic area for which a
public library has been established to offer services and
from which (or on behalf of which) the library derives
revenue, plus any areas served under contract for which
the library is the primary service provider.
Note: The determination of this population figure shall be
the responsibility of the state library agency. This
population figure should be based on the most recent state
population figures for jurisdictions in your state available
from the State Data Center. The State Data Coordinator
should obtain these figures annually from the State Data
Center or other state sources.
This is one type of single outlet library (SO) or the library,
which is the operational center of a multiple-outlet library
(MO or MA). Usually all processing is centralized here
and the principal collections are housed here.
Synonymous with main library.
Note: Each administrative entity may report either no
central library or one central library. No administrative
entity may report more than one central library. In the
administrative entity file, this simply means reporting “0”
or “1” for central library. Where two or more libraries are
considered “centrals” for state or local purposes, one
central library and one or more branch libraries should be
reported to FSCS. If you wish to identify a central library
in the outlet file, identify the library with the largest
collection as the central library for FSCS purposes, and
report all others as branches. Where there are several coequal outlets and no principal collection, report all such
outlets as branches, not central libraries.
A branch library is an auxiliary unit of an administrative
entity which has at least all of the following:
Separate quarters;
An organized collection of library materials;
Paid staff; and
Regularly scheduled hours for being open to the public.

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Data Element Name
(Variable Name)

Data Element Definition

211

Number of Bookmobiles
(BKMOB)

A bookmobile is a traveling branch library. It consists of
at least all of the following:
A truck or van that carries an organized collection of
library materials;
Paid staff; and
Regularly scheduled hours (bookmobile stops) for being
open to the public.
Note: Count the number of vehicles in use, not the
number of stops the vehicle makes.

PAID STAFF (FULL-TIME EQUIVALENT)
Report figures as of the last day of the fiscal year. Include all positions funded in the library’s budget
whether those positions are filled or not. To ensure comparable data, 40 hours per week has been
set as the measure of full-time employment (FTE). For example, 60 hours per week of part-time
work by employees in a staff category divided by the 40-hour measure equals 1.50 FTEs.
#

Data Element Name
(Variable Name)

Data Element Definition

250

ALA-MLS
(MASTER)

251

Total Librarians
(LIBRARIA)

252

All Other Paid Staff
(OTHPAID)

253

Total Paid Employees
(TOTSTAFF)

Librarians with master’s degrees from programs of library
and information studies accredited by the American
Library Association.
Persons with the title of librarian who do paid work that
usually requires professional training and skill in the
theoretical or scientific aspects of library work, or both, as
distinct from its mechanical or clerical aspect. This data
element also includes ALA-MLS (data element #250).
This includes all other FTE employees paid from the
reporting unit budget, including plant operations, security,
and maintenance staff.
This is the sum of Total Librarians and All Other Paid
Staff (data elements #251 and #252).

OPERATING REVENUE
Report revenue used for operating expenditures as defined below. Include federal, state, local, or
other grants. DO NOT include revenue for major capital expenditures, contributions to
endowments, revenue passed through to another agency (e.g., fines), or funds unspent in the
previous fiscal year (e.g., carryover). (Funds transferred from one public library to another public
library should be reported by only one of the public libraries. The State Data Coordinator shall
determine which library will report these funds.)
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Data Element Name
(Variable Name)

Data Element Definition

300

Local Government
Revenue
(LOCGVT)

301

State Government
Revenue
(STGVT)

302

Federal Government
Revenue
(FEDGVT)
Other Operating
Revenue
(OTHINCM)

This includes all local government funds designated by
the community, district, or region and available for
expenditure by the public library. Do not include the value
of any contributed or in-kind services or the value of any
gifts and donations, library fines, fees, or grants.
Do not include state, federal, and other funds passed
through local government for library use. Report these
funds with state government revenue or federal
government revenue, as appropriate.
Note: Significant funding provided by other local
government agencies with the authority to levy taxes “on
behalf of” the library should be included if the
information is available to the reporting agency and if
such funds are supported by documentation (such as
certified budgets, payroll records, etc.)
These are all funds distributed to public libraries by state
government for expenditure by the public libraries, except
for federal money distributed by the state. This includes
funds from such sources as penal fines, license fees, and
mineral rights.
Note: If operating revenue from consolidated taxes is the
result of state legislation, the revenue should be reported
under state revenue (even though the revenue may be
from multiple sources).
This includes all federal government funds distributed to
public libraries for expenditure by the public libraries,
including federal money distributed by the state.

303

304

Total Operating Revenue
(TOTINCM)

This is all operating revenue other than that reported
under local, state, and federal (data elements #300, #301,
and #302). Include, for example, monetary gifts and
donations received in the current year, interest, library
fines, fees for library services, or grants. Do not include
the value of any contributed or in-kind services or the
value of any nonmonetary gifts and donations.
This is the sum of Local Government Revenue, State
Government Revenue, Federal Government Revenue, and
Other Operating Revenue (data elements #300 through
#303).

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OPERATING EXPENDITURES
Operating expenditures are the current and recurrent costs necessary to support the provision of
library services. Significant costs, especially benefits and salaries, that are paid by other taxing
agencies (government agencies with the authority to levy taxes) “on behalf of” the library may be
included if the information is available to the reporting agency. Only such funds that are supported
by expenditure documents (such as invoices, contracts, payroll records, etc.) at the point of
disbursement should be included. Do not report the value of free items as expenditures. Do not
report estimated costs as expenditures. Do not report capital expenditures under this category.
Staff Expenditures
#

Data Element Name
(Variable Name)

Data Element Definition

350

Salaries & Wages
Expenditures
(SALARIES)

This includes salaries and wages for all library staff
(including plant operations, security, and maintenance
staff) for the fiscal year. Include salaries and wages before
deductions but exclude employee benefits.

351

Employee Benefits
Expenditures
(BENEFIT)

These are the benefits outside of salaries and wages paid
and accruing to employees (including plant operations,
security, and maintenance staff), regardless of whether the
benefits or equivalent cash options are available to all
employees.
Include amounts for direct paid employee benefits
including Social Security, retirement, medical insurance,
life insurance, guaranteed disability income protection,
unemployment compensation, workmen’s compensation,
tuition, and housing benefits

352

Total Staff Expenditures
(STAFFEXP)

This is the sum of Salaries & Wages Expenditures and
Employee Benefits Expenditures (data elements #350 and
#351).

Collection Expenditures
This includes all operating expenditures from the library budget for all materials in print,
microform, electronic, and other formats considered part of the collection, whether purchased,
leased, or licensed. Exclude charges or fees for interlibrary loans and expenditures for
document delivery.
#

Data Element Name
(Variable Name)

Data Element Definition

353

Print Materials
Expenditures
(PRMATEXP)

Report all operating expenditures for the following print
materials: books, current serial subscriptions, government
documents, and any other print acquisitions.

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354

Electronic Materials
Expenditures
(ELMATEXP)

355

Other Materials
Expenditures
(OTHMATEX)
Total Collection
Expenditures
(TOTEXPCO)

356

Report all operating expenditures for electronic (digital)
materials. Types of electronic materials include e-books,
audio and video downloadables, e-serials (including
journals), government documents, databases (including
locally mounted, full text or not), electronic files, reference
tools, scores, maps, or pictures in electronic or digital
format, including materials digitized by the library.
Electronic materials can be distributed on magnetic tape,
diskettes, computer software, CD-ROM, or other portable
digital carrier, and can be accessed via a computer, via
access to the Internet, or by using an e-book reader. Include
expenditures for materials held locally and for remote
materials for which permanent or temporary access rights
have been acquired. Include expenditures for database
licenses. [Note: Based on ISO 2789 definition.]
Note: Expenditures for computer software used to support
library operations or to link to external networks, including
the Internet, are reported under Other Operating
Expenditures (data element #357).
Report all operating expenditures for other materials, such
as microform, audio and video physical units, DVD, and
materials in new formats.
This is the sum of Print Materials Expenditures, Electronic
Materials Expenditures, and Other Materials Expenditures
(data elements #353, #354, and #355).

#

Data Element Name
(Variable Name)

Data Element Definition

357

Other Operating
Expenditures
(OTHOPEXP)

358

Total Operating
Expenditures
(TOTOPEXP)

This includes all expenditures other than those reported for
Total Staff Expenditures (data element #352) and Total
Collection Expenditures (data element #356).
Note: Include expenses such as binding, supplies, repair or
replacement of existing furnishings and equipment; and
costs of computer hardware and software used to support
library operations or to link to external networks, including
the Internet. Report contracts for services, such as costs of
operating and maintaining physical facilities, and fees paid
to a consultant, auditor, architect, attorney, etc.
This is the sum of Total Staff Expenditures, Total
Collection Expenditures, and Other Operating Expenditures
(data elements #352, #356, and #357).

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CAPITAL REVENUE
Report all revenue to be used for major capital expenditures, by source of revenue. Include funds
received for (a) site acquisition; (b) new buildings; (c) additions to or renovation of library
buildings; (d) furnishings, equipment, and initial collections (print, nonprint, and electronic) for
new buildings, building additions, or building renovations; (e) computer hardware and software
used to support library operations, to link to networks, or to run information products; (f) new
vehicles; and (g) other one-time major projects. Exclude revenue to be used for replacement and
repair of existing furnishings and equipment, regular purchase of library materials, and investments
for capital appreciation. Exclude income passed through to another agency (e.g., fines), or funds
unspent in the previous fiscal year (e.g., carryover). Funds transferred from one public library to
another public library should be reported by only one of the public libraries. Report federal, state,
local, and other revenue to be used for major capital expenditures in the following categories:
#

Data Element Name
(Variable Name)

Data Element Definition

400

Local Government
Capital Revenue
(LCAP_REV)

401

State Government
Capital Revenue
(SCAP_REV)

402

Federal Government
Capital Revenue
(FCAP_REV)

403

Other Capital Revenue
(OCAP_REV)

404

Total Capital Revenue
(CAP_REV)

Report all governmental funds designated by the
community, district, or region and available to the public
library for the purpose of major capital expenditures,
except for state and/or federal money distributed by the
local government.
Report all funds distributed to public libraries by state
government for expenditure by the public libraries for the
purpose of major capital expenditures, except for federal
money distributed by the state.
Report federal governmental funds, including federal
funds distributed by the state or locality, and grants and
aid received by the library for the purpose of major capital
expenditures.
Report private (nongovernmental funds), including grants
received by the library for the purpose of major capital
expenditures.
This is the sum of Local Government Capital Revenue,
State Government Capital Revenue, Federal Government
Capital Revenue, and Other Capital Revenue (data
elements #400 through #403).
Note: The amounts reported for Total Capital Revenue
and Total Capital Expenditures are not expected to be
equal.

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CAPITAL EXPENDITURES
#

Data Element Name
(Variable Name)

Data Element Definition

405

Total Capital
Expenditures
(CAPITAL)

Report major capital expenditures (the acquisition of or
additions to fixed assets). Examples include expenditures
for (a) site acquisitions; (b) new buildings; (c) additions to
or renovation of library buildings; (d) furnishings,
equipment, and initial book stock for new buildings,
building additions, or building renovations; (e) library
automation systems; (f) new vehicles; and (g) other onetime major projects. Include federal, state, local, or other
revenue used for major capital expenditures. Only funds
that are supported by expenditure documents (e.g.,
invoices, contracts, payroll records, etc.) at the point of
disbursement should be included. Estimated costs are not
included. Exclude expenditures for replacement and repair
of existing furnishings and equipment, regular purchase of
library materials, and investments for capital appreciation.
Exclude contributions to endowments, or revenue passed
through to another agency (e.g., fines). Funds transferred
from one public library to another public library should be
reported by only one of the public libraries.

LIBRARY COLLECTION1
This section of the survey (450-460) collects data on selected types of materials.
It does not cover all materials (i.e., microforms, loose sheet music, maps, and pictures) for which
expenditures are reported under Print Materials Expenditures, Electronic Materials Expenditures,
and Other Materials Expenditures (data elements #353, #354, and #355). Under this category report
only items the library has acquired as part of the collection and catalogued, whether purchased,
lease, licensed, or donated as gifts that have been purchased, leased or licensed by the library, a
consortium, the state library, a donor or other person or entity. Included items must only be
accessible with a valid library card or at a physical library location; inclusion in the catalog is not
required. Do not include items freely available without monetary exchange. Do not include items
that are permanently retained by the patron; count only items that have a set circulation period
where it is available for their use. Count electronic materials at the administrative entity level; do
not duplicate numbers at each branch.
#
450

1
2

Data Element Name
(Variable Name)
Print Materials2
(BKVOL)

Data Element Definition
Report a single figure that includes the following:

Revised data element definition.
Revised data element definition.
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451

Data Element Name
(Variable Name)

Electronic Books EBooks
(EBOOK)

Data Element Definition
Books in print. Books are non-serial printed publications
(including music scores or other bound forms of printed
music, and maps) that are bound in hard or soft covers, or
in loose-leaf format. Do not include unbound sheet
music. Include non-serial government documents. Report
the number of physical units, including duplicates. For
smaller libraries, if volume data are not available, count
the number of titles. Books packaged together as a unit
(e.g., a 2-volume set) and checked out as a unit are
counted as one physical unit.
E-books are digital documents (including those digitized
by the library), licensed or not, where searchable text is
prevalent, and which can be seen in analogy to a printed
book (monograph). E-books are loaned to users on
portable devices (e-book readers) or by transmitting the
contents to the user’s personal computer for a limited
time. Include e-books held locally and remote e-books for
which permanent or temporary access rights have been
acquired. Report the number of electronic units, including
duplicates, at the administrative entity level; do not
duplicate unit count for each branch. E-books packaged
together as a unit (e.g., multiple titles on a single e-book
reader) and checked out as a unit are counted as one unit.
Report the number of units. Report only items that have
been purchased, leased or licensed by the library, a
consortium, the state library, a donor or other person or
entity. Included items must only be accessible with a valid
library card or at a physical library location; inclusion in
the catalog is not required. Do not include items freely
available without monetary exchange. Do not include
items that are permanently retained by the patron; count
only items that have a set circulation period where it is
available for their use. Count electronic materials at the
administrative entity level; do not duplicate numbers at
each branch.
NOTE: For purposes of this survey, units are defined as
“units of acquisition or purchase.” The “unit” is
determined by considering whether the item is restricted
to a finite number of simultaneous users or an unlimited
number of simultaneous users.
Finite simultaneous use: units of acquisition or purchase is
based on the number of simultaneous usages acquired
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Data Element Name
(Variable Name)

452

Audio – physical units
(AUDIO_PH)

453

Audio – downloadable
units
(AUDIO_DL)

Data Element Definition
(equivalent to purchasing multiple copies of a single title).
For example, if a library acquires a title with rights to a
single user at a time, then that item is counted as 1 “unit”;
if the library acquires rights to a single title for 10
simultaneous users, then that item is counted as 10
“units.” For smaller libraries, if volume data are not
available, the number of titles may be counted.
Unlimited simultaneous use: units of acquisition or
purchase is based on the number of titles acquired. For
example, if a library acquires a collection of 100 books
with unlimited simultaneous users, then that collection
would be counted as 100 “units.”
These are materials circulated in a fixed, physical format
on which sounds (only) are stored (recorded) and that can
be reproduced (played back) mechanically, electronically,
or both. Include records, audiocassettes, audio cartridges,
audio discs (including audio-CD-ROMs), audio-reels,
talking books, and other sound recordings stored in a
fixed, physical format. Do not include downloadable
electronic audio files.
Report the number of units, including duplicates. Items
packaged together as a unit (e.g. two audiocassettes for
one recorded book) and checked out as a unit are counted
as one physical unit.
These are downloadable electronic files on which sounds
(only) are stored (recorded) and that can be reproduced
(played back) electronically. Audio – Downloadable Units
may be loaned to users on portable devices or by
transmitting the contents to the user’s personal computer
for a limited time. Include Audio – Downloadable Units
held locally and remote Audio – Downloadable Units for
which permanent or temporary access rights have been
acquired.
Report the number of units. Report only items that have
been purchased, leased or licensed by the library, a
consortium, the state library, a donor or other person or
entity. Included items must only be accessible with a valid
library card or at a physical library location; inclusion in
the catalog is not required. Do not include items freely
available without monetary exchange. Do not include
items that are permanently retained by the patron; count
only items that have a set circulation period where it is
available for their use. Count electronic materials at the
15

#

Data Element Name
(Variable Name)

454

Video – physical units
(VIDEO_PH)

455

Video – downloadable
units
(VIDEO_DL)

Data Element Definition
administrative entity level; do not duplicate numbers at
each branch.
NOTE: For purposes of this survey, units are defined as
“units of acquisition or purchase.” The “unit” is
determined by considering whether the item is restricted
to a finite number of simultaneous users or an unlimited
number of simultaneous users.
Finite simultaneous use: units of acquisition or purchase is
based on the number of simultaneous usages acquired
(equivalent to purchasing multiple copies of a single title).
For example, if a library acquires a title with rights to a
single user at a time, then that item is counted as 1 “unit”;
if the library acquires rights to a single title for 10
simultaneous users, then that item is counted as 10 “units.
For smaller libraries, if volume data are not available, the
number of titles may be counted.
Unlimited simultaneous use: units of acquisition or
purchase is based on the number of titles acquired. For
example, if a library acquires a collection of 100 books
with unlimited simultaneous users, then that collection
would be counted as 100 “units.”
These are materials circulated in a fixed, physical format
on which moving pictures are recorded, with or without
sound.
Electronic playback reproduces pictures, with or without
sound, using a television receiver or computer monitor.
Video formats may include tape, DVD and CD-ROM. Do
not include downloadable electronic video files.
Report the number of units, including duplicates. Items
packaged together as a unit (e.g., two DVDs for one
movie) and checked out as a unit are counted as one
physical unit.
These are downloadable electronic files on which moving
pictures are recorded, with or without sound. Electronic
playback reproduces pictures, with or without sound,
using a television receiver, computer monitor or videoenabled mobile device. Video – Downloadable Units may
be loaned to users on portable devices or by transmitting
the contents to the user’s personal computer for a limited
time. Include Video – Downloadable Units held locally
and remote Video – Downloadable Units for which
permanent or temporary access rights have been acquired.

16

#

Data Element Name
(Variable Name)

Data Element Definition
Report the number of units. Report only items that have
been purchased, leased or licensed by the library, a
consortium, the state library, a donor or other person or
entity. Included items must only be accessible with a valid
library card or at a physical library location; inclusion in
the catalog is not required. Do not include items freely
available without monetary exchange. Do not include
items that are permanently retained by the patron; count
only items that have a set circulation period where it is
available for their use. Count electronic materials at the
administrative entity level; do not duplicate numbers at
each branch.
NOTE: For purposes of this survey, units are defined as
“units of acquisition or purchase.” The “unit” is
determined by considering whether the item is restricted
to a finite number of simultaneous users or an unlimited
number of simultaneous users.
Finite simultaneous use: units of acquisition or purchase is
based on the number of simultaneous usages acquired
(equivalent to purchasing multiple copies of a single title).
For example, if a library acquires a title with rights to a
single user at a time, then that item is counted as 1 “unit”;
if the library acquires rights to a single title for 10
simultaneous users, then that item is counted as 10
“units.” For smaller libraries, if volume data are not
available, the number of titles may be counted.
Unlimited simultaneous use: units of acquisition or
purchase is based on the number of titles acquired. For
example, if a library acquires a collection of 100 books
with unlimited simultaneous users, then that collection
would be counted as 100 “units.”

Electronic Collections
Report the number of electronic collections.
An electronic collection is a collection of electronically stored data or unit records (facts,
bibliographic data, abstracts, texts, photographs, music, video, etc.) with a common user interface
and software for the retrieval and use of the data. An electronic collection may be organized, curated
and electronically shared by the library, or rights may be provided by a third party vendor. An
electronic collection may be funded by the library, or provided through cooperative agreement with
other libraries, or through the State Library. Do not include electronic collections that are provided
by third parties and freely linked to on the Web.

17

Electronic Collections do not have a circulation period and may be retained by the patron.
Remote access to the collection may or may not require authentication. Unit records may or may
not be included in the library’s catalog; the library may or may not select individual titles. Include
electronic collections that are available online or are locally hosted in the library.
Note: The data or records are usually collected with a particular intent and relate to a defined
topic.
Report the number of electronic collections acquired through curation, payment or formal
agreement, by source of access:
#
456

Data Element Name
(Variable Name)
Local/Other Cooperative
Agreements
(EC_LO_OT)

457

State (state government
or state library)
(EC_ST)

458

Total Electronic
Collections
(ELECCOLL)

Data Element Definition

This is the sum of Local/Other cooperative agreements,
and State electronic collections (data elements #456 and
#457).

Current Print Serial Subscriptions
Current serial subscriptions are arrangements by which, in return for a sum paid in advance,
serials are provided for a specified number of issues. Include current serial subscriptions in
print.
#
460

Data Element Name
(Variable Name)
Current Print Serial
Subscriptions
(SUBSCRIP)

SERVICES
#
Data Element Name
(Variable Name)
500

Public Service Hours Per
Year
(HRS_OPEN)

Data Element Definition
Report the number of current print serial subscriptions,
including duplicates, for all outlets. Examples of serials are
periodicals (magazines), newspapers, annuals, some
government documents, some reference tools, and
numbered monographic series.

Data Element Definition
This is the sum of annual public service hours for outlets.
Note: Include the hours open for public service for
Centrals (data element #209), Branches (data element

18

#

Data Element Name
(Variable Name)

501

Library Visits
(VISITS)

502

Reference Transactions
(REFERENC)

Data Element Definition
#210), Bookmobiles (data element #211), and Books-byMail Only.
For each bookmobile, count only the hours during which
the bookmobile is open to the public. For administrative
entities that offer ONLY books-by-mail service, count the
hours that the outlet is staffed for service. Minor
variations in scheduled public service hours need not be
included, however, extensive hours closed to the public
due to natural disasters or other events should be excluded
even if the staff is scheduled to work.
This is the total number of persons entering the library for
whatever purpose during the year.
Note: If an actual count of visits is unavailable, determine
an annual estimate by counting visits during a typical
week in October and multiplying the count by 52. A
“typical week” is a time that is neither unusually busy nor
unusually slow. Avoid holiday times, vacation periods for
key staff, or days when unusual events are taking place in
the community or the library. Choose a week in which the
library is open its regular hours. Include seven
consecutive calendar days, from Sunday through Saturday
(or whenever the library is usually open).
Reference Transactions are information consultations in
which library staff recommend, interpret, evaluate, and/or
use information resources to help others to meet particular
information needs. A reference transaction includes
information and referral service as well as unscheduled
individual instruction and assistance in using information
sources (including websites and computer-assisted
instruction). Count Readers Advisory questions as
reference transactions. Information sources include (a)
printed and nonprinted material; (b) machine-readable
databases (including computer-assisted instruction); (c)
the library’s own catalogs and other holdings records; (d)
other libraries and institutions through communication or
referral; and (e) persons both inside and outside the
library.
When a staff member uses information gained from
previous use of information sources to answer a question,
the transaction is reported as a reference transaction even
if the source is not consulted again. If a contact includes
both reference and directional services, it should be
reported as one reference transaction. Duration should not
19

#

503

Number of Registered
Users
(REGBOR)

550

Total Circulation of
Materials3
(TOTCIR)
Circulation of Children’s
Materials
(KIDCIRCL)
Use of Electronic
Material4
(ELMATCIR)

551

552

3
4

Data Element Name
(Variable Name)

Data Element Definition
be an element in determining whether a transaction is a
reference transaction.
NOTE: It is essential that libraries do not include
directional transactions in the report of reference
transactions. Directional transactions include giving
instruction for locating staff, library users, or physical
features within the library. Examples of directional
transactions include, “Where is the reference librarian?
Where is Susan Smith? Where is the rest room? Where
are the 600s? Can you help me make a photocopy?”
If an annual count of reference transactions is unavailable,
count reference transactions during a typical week or
weeks, and multiply the count to represent an annual
estimate. [If the sample is done four times a year, multiply
totals by 13, if done twice a year multiply by 26, if done
only annually, multiply by 52.] A “typical week” is a time
that is neither unusually busy nor unusually slow. Avoid
holiday times, vacation periods for key staff, or days
when unusual events are taking place in the community or
in the library. Choose a week in which the library is open
its regular hours.
A registered user is a library user who has applied for and
received an identification number or card from the public
library that has established conditions under which the
user may borrow library materials or gain access to other
library resources.
Note: Files should have been purged within the past three
(3) years.
This is the sum of Use of Electronic Material and Physical
Item Circulation (data elements #552 and #553).
The total annual circulation of all children’s materials in
all formats to all users, including renewals.
Electronic Materials are materials that are distributed
digitally online and can be accessed via a computer, the
Internet, or a portable device such as an e-book reader.
Types of electronic materials include e-books and
downloadable electronic video and audio files. Electronic
materials packaged together as a unit and checked out as a

Revised data element name
Revised data element name and definition
20

#

553

554

Data Element Name
(Variable Name)

Physical Item
Circulation5
(PHYSCIR)

Successful Retrieval of
Electronic Information6
(ELINFO)

Data Element Definition
unit are counted as one use. Include circulation only for
items that require a user authentication, and have a limited
period of use.
The total annual circulation of all physical library
materials of all types, including renewals.
Note: Count all physical materials in all formats that are
charged out for use outside the library. Interlibrary loan
transactions included are only items borrowed for users.
Do not include items checked out to another library.
The number of full-content units or descriptive records
examined, downloaded, or otherwise supplied to user,
from online library resources that require user
authentication but do not have a circulation period.
Examining documents is defined as having the full text of
a digital document or electronic resource downloaded or
fully displayed. Some electronic services do not require
downloading as simply viewing documents is normally
sufficient for user needs.
Include use both inside and outside the library. Do not
include use of the OPAC or website. [based on NISO
Standard Z39.7 (2013) #7.7, p. 43]

5
6
7
8

555

Electronic Content Use7
(ELCONT)

The total annual count of the use of electronic materials
and the successful retrieval of electronic information
(Data elements #552 and #554).

556

Total Collection Use8
(TOTCOLL)

The total annual count of physical item circulation, use of
electronic material and successful retrieval of electronic
information (Data elements #552, #553, and #554).

New data element
New data element
New data element
New data element
21

INTER-LIBRARY LOANS
#
Data Element Name
(Variable Name)
575

Provided To
(LOANTO)9

576

Received From
(LOANFM)10

LIBRARY PROGRAMS
#
Data Element Name
(Variable Name)
600

9

Total Number of Library
Programs
(TOTPRO)

Data Element Definition
These are library materials, or copies of the materials,
provided by one autonomous library to another upon
request. The libraries involved in interlibrary loans are not
under the same library administration. “Library
administration” means Administrative Entity (not
anything broader). Do not include items loaned between
outlets within the same library administrative entity.
These data are reported as annual figures.
These are library materials, or copies of the materials,
received by one autonomous library from another upon
request. The libraries involved in interlibrary loans are not
under the same library administration. “Library
administration” means Administrative Entity (not
anything broader). Do not include items loaned between
outlets within the same library administrative entity.
These data are reported as annual figures.

Data Element Definition
A program is any planned event which introduces the
group attending to any of the broad range of library
services or activities or which directly provides
information to participants. Programs may cover use of
the library, library services, or library tours. Programs
may also provide cultural, recreational, or educational
information, often designed to meet a specific social need.
Examples of these types of programs include film
showings, lectures, story hours, literacy, English as a
second language, citizenship classes, and book
discussions.
Count all programs, whether held on- or off-site, that are
sponsored or co-sponsored by the library. Exclude
programs sponsored by other groups that use library
facilities.
If programs are offered as a series, count each program in
the series. For example, a film series offered once a week
for eight weeks should be counted as eight programs.

Data element number change
Data element number change

10

22

#

Data Element Name
(Variable Name)

601

Number of Children’s
Programs
(KIDPRO)

602

Number of Young Adult
Programs
(YAPRO)

Data Element Definition
Note: Exclude library activities delivered on a one-to-one
basis, rather than to a group, such as one-to-one literacy
tutoring, services to homebound, resume writing
assistance, homework assistance, and mentoring activities.
A children’s program is any planned event for which the
primary audience is children and which introduces the
group of children attending to any of the broad range of
library services or activities for children or which directly
provides information to participants. Children’s programs
may cover use of the library, library services, or library
tours. Children’s programs may also provide cultural,
recreational, or educational information, often designed to
meet a specific social need. Examples of these types of
programs include story hours and summer reading events.
Count all children’s programs, whether held on- or offsite, that are sponsored or co-sponsored by the library. Do
not include children’s programs sponsored by other
groups that use library facilities. If children’s programs
are offered as a series, count each program in the series.
For example, a story hour offered once a week, 48 weeks
a year, should be counted as 48 programs. Exclude library
activities for children delivered on a one-to-one basis,
rather than to a group, such as one-to-one literacy
tutoring, services to homebound, homework assistance,
and mentoring activities. This figure is a subset of the
Total Number of Library Programs (data element #600).
Note: The National Center for Education Statistics
(NCES): Children and Young Adults Defined (Services
and Resources for Children and Young Adults in Public
Libraries [August 1995, NCES 95357]) defines children
as persons age 11 years and under.
A young adult program is any planned event for which the
primary audience is young adult and which introduces the
group of young adults attending to any of the broad range
of library services or activities for young adults or which
directly provides information to participants. Young adult
programs may cover use of the library, library services, or
library tours. Young adult programs may also provide
cultural, recreational, or educational information, often
designed to meet a specific social need. Examples of these
types of programs include book clubs and summer reading
events.

23

#

Data Element Name
(Variable Name)

603

Total Attendance at
Library Programs
(TOTATTEN)

604

Children’s Program
Attendance
(KIDATTEN)

605

Young Adult Program
Attendance
(YAATTEN)

Data Element Definition
Count all young adult programs, whether held on- or offsite, that are sponsored or co-sponsored by the library. Do
not include young adult programs sponsored by other
groups that use library facilities. If young adult programs
are offered as a series, count each program in the series.
For example, a book club offered every two weeks, 24
weeks a year, should be counted as 24 programs. Exclude
library activities for young adults delivered on a one-toone basis, rather than to a group, such as one-to-one
literacy tutoring, services to homebound, homework
assistance, and mentoring activities. This figure is a subset
of the Total Number of Library Programs (data element
#600).
Note: Young Adult age is defined as 12 through 18 years
and includes 18 year olds. Click on the following link to
view information:
The Young Adult Services Association (YASLA) defines
young adults as age 12 through 18.
This is a total count of the audience at all library programs
during the reporting period. (See Total Number of Library
Programs, data element #600, for the definition of a
library program.)
The count of the audience at all programs for which the
primary audience is children 11 years and under. Include
adults who attend programs intended primarily for
children.
Note: Do not count attendance at library activities for
children that are delivered on a one-to-one basis, rather
than to a group, such as one-to-one literacy tutoring,
services to homebound, homework assistance, and
mentoring activities. (See Number of Children’s
Programs, data element #601, for the definition of a
children’s library program.)
The count of the audience at all programs for which the
primary audience is young adults 12 to 18 years and
includes 18 year olds. Include adults* who attend
programs intended primarily for young adults.
Note: Do not count attendance at library activities for
young adults that are delivered on a one-to-one basis,
rather than to a group, such as one-to-one literacy
tutoring, services to homebound, homework assistance,
and mentoring activities.

24

#

Data Element Name
(Variable Name)

Data Element Definition
*Please count all patrons that attend the young adult
programs regardless of age.
(See Number of Young Adult Programs, data element
#602, for the definition of a young adult library program.)

OTHER ELECTRONIC INFORMATION
#
Data Element Name
Data Element Definition
(Variable Name)
650
Number of Internet
Report the number of the library’s Internet computers
Computers Used by
[personal computers (PCs) and laptops], whether
General Public
purchased, leased, or donated, used by the general public
in the library.
(GPTERMS)
651
Number of Uses
Report the total number of uses (sessions) of the library’s
(Sessions) of Public
Internet computers in the library during the last year. If
Internet Computers Per
the computer is used for multiple purposes (Internet
Year
access, word-processing, OPAC, etc.) and Internet uses
(sessions) cannot be isolated, report all usage. A typical
(PITUSR)
week or other reliable estimate may be used to determine
the annual number. Sign-up forms or Web-log tracking
software also may provide a reliable count of uses
(sessions).
Note: This count includes only the library’s Internet
computers. Do not include wifi access using nonlibrary
computers. The number of uses (sessions) may be counted
manually, using registration logs. Count each use
(session) for public internet computers, regardless of the
amount of time spent on the computer. A use (session) on
the library’s public internet computer(s) three times a year
would count as three uses (sessions). Software such as
“Historian” can also be used to track the number of uses
(sessions) at each public internet computer. If the data
element is collected as a weekly figure, multiply that
figure by 52 to annualize it.
652
Wireless Sessions
Report the number of wireless sessions provided by the
library wireless service annually.
(WIFISESS)

Outlet Data Element Definitions
#

Data Element Name
(Variable Name)

Data Element Definition

700

FSCS ID and SEQ
(Automatic Display)

This is the identification code assigned by PLS Web
Portal. Outlets are assigned the same FSCS ID as the

25

#

700a
701
702

702a
703

703a
704
705
707
708

709

Data Element Name
(Variable Name)
(FSCSKEY and
FSCS_SEQ)
Structure Status
(STATSTRU)
LIB ID (Optional)
(LIBID)
Name
(LIBNAME)

Name Status
(STATNAME)
Street Address
(ADDRESS)

Address Status
(STATADDR)
City
(CITY)
ZIP Code
(ZIP)
County of the Outlet
(CNTY)
Phone
(PHONE)

Outlet Type Code
(C_OUT_TY)

Data Element Definition
administrative entity to which they belong, with a unique
three-digit suffix added to distinguish each outlet.
This is the Structure Change Code to record actions such
as adding, deleting, or merging.
This is the state-assigned identification code for the
outlet.
This is the legal name of the outlet.
Note: Provide the legal name of the outlet. Do not use
acronyms. Do not abbreviate the name unless it exceeds
the PLS Web Portal field length of 60 characters. Avoid
abbreviations at the beginning of the name and do not
punctuate abbreviations.
(See Standard Abbreviations for PLS Web Portal in
Appendix G.)
This is the Name Change Code to identify whether the
change is an official name change.
This is the complete street address of the outlet.
Note: Do not report a post office box or general delivery.
For a bookmobile that operates from an administrative
entity, branch, or central library, report the address of the
administrative entity, branch or central library from which
it operates. For a bookmobile that is itself the
administrative entity, report the address where the
bookmobile is parked at night.
This is the Address Change Code to identify whether the
address change is an actual location change.
This is the city or town in which the outlet is located.
This is the standard five-digit postal ZIP code for the
street address of the outlet.
This is the county in which the outlet is physically
located.
This is the telephone number of the outlet, including area
code.
Note: Report telephone number without spacing or
punctuation. If the outlet has no phone, enter “–3” (for
Not Applicable).
An outlet is a unit of an administrative entity that
provides direct public library service.
26

#

Data Element Name
(Variable Name)

Data Element Definition
Select one of the following:
BM—Books-by-Mail Only. A direct mail order service
which provides books and other library materials. Booksby-mail typically serves rural residents, the disabled, the
homebound, and others without access to another type of
public library outlet. Requests for materials are usually
received by mail and by telephone only. Only books-bymail services that are housed separately from any other
type of direct public service outlet (that is, central library,
branches, or bookmobiles) should be coded here.
BR—Branch Library. A branch library is an auxiliary unit
of an administrative entity which has at least all of the
following:
Separate quarters;
An organized collection of library materials;
Paid staff; and
Regularly scheduled hours for being open to the public.
BS—Bookmobile(s). A bookmobile is a traveling branch
library. It consists of at least all of the following:
A truck or van that carries an organized collection of
library materials;
A paid staff; and
Regularly scheduled hours (bookmobile stops) for being
open to the public.
Note: A separate outlet record may be created for each
bookmobile. You may wish to create separate outlet
records for individual bookmobiles if (1) they have
different addresses and/or (2) they have different
Metropolitan Status Codes (see outlet data element #710).
Alternatively, a bookmobile outlet record may include
more than one bookmobile.
CE—Central Library. This is one type of single outlet
library (SO) or the library which is the operational center
of a multiple outlet library (MO or MA). Usually all
processing is centralized here and the principal collections
are housed here. Synonymous with main library.
Note: Each administrative entity may report either no
central library or one central library. No administrative
entity may report more than one central library. If you
wish to identify a central library in the outlet file, identify
the library with the largest collection as the central library
for FSCS purposes, and report all others as branches.
27

#

Data Element Name
(Variable Name)

711

Square Footage of
Outlet
(SQ_FEET)

712

Number of Bookmobiles
in the Bookmobile Outlet
Record
(L_NUM_BM)

713

Public Service Hours
Per Year (actual hours)
(HOURS)

Data Element Definition
Where there are several coequal outlets and no principal
collection, report all such outlets as branches, not central
libraries.
Provide the area, in square feet, of the public library
outlet (central library or branch). Report the total area in
square feet for each library outlet (central library or
branch) separately. This is the area on all floors enclosed
by the outer walls of the library outlet. Include all areas
occupied by the library outlet, including those areas offlimits to the public. Include any areas shared with another
agency or agencies if the outlet has use of that area.
The number of bookmobiles in the bookmobile outlet
record.
Note: A bookmobile outlet record may include one or
more bookmobiles. Complete this data element only if the
outlet record is of the type BS—Bookmobile(s) (see
outlet data element #709). A bookmobile is a traveling
branch library. It consists of at least all of the following:
A truck or van that carries an organized collection of
library materials;
A paid staff; and
Regularly scheduled hours (bookmobile stops) for being
open to the public. Count vehicles in use, not the number
of stops the vehicle makes.
This is the number of annual public service hours for
outlets (reported individually by central, branch,
bookmobile and Books-by-Mail Only)
Note: Include the actual hours open for public service for
centrals (data element #209), branches (data element
#210), and bookmobiles (data element #211), and Booksby-Mail Only. For each bookmobile, count only the hours
during which the bookmobile is open to the public. For
administrative entities that offer ONLY books-by-mail
service, count the hours that the outlet is staffed for
service. Minor variations in public service hours need not
be included. Extensive hours closed to the public due to
natural disasters or other events should be excluded from
the count.

28

#
714

Data Element Name
(Variable Name)
Number of Weeks a
Library is Open (actual
weeks)
(WKS_OPEN)

Data Element Definition
This is the number of weeks during the year that an outlet
was open to the public.
Note: Include the number of weeks open for public
service for Centrals (data element #209), Branches (data
element #210), Bookmobiles (data element #211), and
Books-by-Mail Only.
For each bookmobile, count only the weeks during which
the bookmobile is open to the public. For administrative
entities that offer ONLY books-by-mail service, count the
weeks that the outlet is staffed for service. The count
should be based on the number of weeks that a library
outlet was open for half or more of its scheduled service
hours. Extensive weeks closed to the public due to natural
disasters or other events should be excluded from the
count. Do not calculate based on total number of service
hours per year at the outlet level. For example, by
dividing total hours by the average hours open per week.
Round to the nearest whole number of weeks. If the
library was open half or more of its scheduled hours in a
given week, round up to the next week. If the library was
open less than half of its scheduled hours, round down.

29