Attachment A - 2024

FY 2024 Public Libraries Survey 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)	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.
101	Reporting Period Ending Date (ENDDATE)	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.
102	State Total Population Estimate (POPU_ST)	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.
103	Total Unduplicated Population of Legal Service Areas (POPU_UND)	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 local jurisdiction. The administrative entity may have a single outlet, or it may have more than one outlet.

#	Data Element Name (Variable Name)	Data Element Definition
150	FSCS ID (Automatic Display) (FSCSKEY)	This is the identification code assigned by PLS Web Portal to the administrative entity.
150a	Structure Status (STATSTRU)	This is the Structure Change Code to record actions such as adding, deleting, or merging.
151	LIB ID (LIBID)	This is the state-assigned identification code for the administrative entity.
152	Name (LIBNAME)	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.)
152a	Name Status (STATNAME)	This is the Name Change Code to identify whether the change is an official name change.
Street Address
153	Street Address (ADDRESS)	This is the complete street address of the administrative entity. Note: Do not report a post office box or general delivery.
153a	Address Status (STATADDR)	This is the Address Change Code to identify whether the address change is an actual location change.
154	City (of street address) (CITY)	This is the city or town in which the administrative entity is located.
155	ZIP Code (of street address) (ZIP)	This is the standard five-digit postal zip code for the street address of the administrative entity.
Mailing Address
157	Mailing Address (ADDRES_M)	This is the mailing address of the administrative entity.
158	City (of mailing address) (CITY_M)	This is the city or town of the mailing address for the administrative entity.
159	ZIP Code (of mailing address) (ZIP_M)	This is the standard five-digit postal ZIP code for the mailing address of the administrative entity.
161	County of the Entity (CNTY)	This is the county in which the headquarters of the administrative entity is physically located.
162	Phone (PHONE)	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).
200	Interlibrary Relationship Code (C_RELATN)	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.
201	Legal Basis Code (C_LEGBAS)	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. 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.
202	Administrative Structure Code (C_ADMIN)	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: 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.
203	FSCS Public Library Definition (C_FSCS)	Answer <Y>es or <N>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 the requirements of this definition, respond with a <Y>es. If the library does not meet one or more of the requirements, respond with a <N>o.
204	Geographic Code (GEOCODE)	Choose one of the following types of geography (defined by the U.S. Census Bureau) that best describes the legal service area (LSA) for which the 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. The Geographic Code should represent the basis for the Population of Legal Service Area (data element #208), including areas served under contract, and as such should be determined by the state library agency. Each geography type has at least two subtypes: “entirety” and “overlap.” If the LSA is not coterminous with one of the geography types, select the “overlap” option for the geography type that most overlaps the LSA. For “County or Equivalent” and “Multi-County” geographies, a third subtype, “remainder excluding AEs of contained geographies,” exists specifically for AEs that serve the areas of counties outside of municipalities with separate AEs. Note: For further clarification, see the definition of terms published by the U.S. Census Bureau: https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/geography/about/glossary.html PL1—Place (e.g., incorporated city or village, census-designated), entirety PL2—Place (e.g., incorporated city or village, census-designated), overlap MP1—Multi-Place, entirety MP2—Multi-Place, overlap CD1—Minor Civil Division [MCD] (e.g., town, township), entirety CD2—Minor Civil Division [MCD] (e.g., town, township), overlap MD1—Multi-MCD, entirety MD2—Multi-MCD, overlap CO1—County or Equivalent, entirety CO2—County or Equivalent, overlap CO3—County or Equivalent, remainder excluding AEs of contained geographies MC1—Multi-County, entirety MC2—Multi-County, overlap MC3—Multi-County, remainder excluding AEs of contained geographies SU1—School District - Unified, entirety SU2—School District - Unified, overlap SE1—School District - Elementary, entirety SE2—School District - Elementary, overlap SS1—School District - Secondary, entirety SS2—School District - Secondary, overlap OTH—Other
205	Legal Service Area Boundary Change (LSABOUND)	Answer <Y>es or <N>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).
206	Reporting Period Starting Date (STARTDAT)	This is the starting date (month, day, and year) for a 12-month 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.
207	Reporting Period Ending Date (ENDDATE)	This is the ending date (month, day, and year) for a 12-month 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.
208	Population of the Legal Service Area (POPU_LSA)	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.
209	Number of Central Libraries (CENTLIB)	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 co-equal outlets and no principal collection, report all such outlets as branches, not central libraries.
210	Number of Branch Libraries (BRANLIB)	A branch library is an auxiliary unit of an administrative entity which has at least all the following: Separate quarters; An organized collection of library materials; Paid staff; and Regularly scheduled hours for being open to the public.
211	Number of Bookmobiles (BKMOB)	A bookmobile is a traveling branch library. It consists of at least all 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 Librarians (MASTER)	Librarians with master’s degrees from programs of library and information studies accredited by the American Library Association.
251	Total Librarians (LIBRARIA)	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).
252	All Other Paid Staff (OTHPAID)	This includes all other FTE employees paid from the reporting unit budget, including plant operations, security, and maintenance staff.
253	Total Paid Employees (TOTSTAFF)	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.)

#	Data Element Name (Variable Name)	Data Element Definition
300	Local Government Revenue (LOCGVT)	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.)
301	State Government Revenue (STGVT)	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).
302	Federal Government Revenue (FEDGVT)	This includes all federal government funds distributed to public libraries for expenditure by the public libraries, including federal money distributed by the state.
303	Other Operating Revenue (OTHINCM)	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.
304	Total Operating Revenue (TOTINCM)	This is the sum of Local Government Revenue, State Government Revenue, Federal Government Revenue, and Other Operating Revenue (data elements #300 through #303).

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.
354	Electronic Content Expenditures1 (ELMATEXP)	Report all operating expenditures for electronic (digital) content. Include expenditures for electronic content for which the library has acquired permanent or temporary access rights. Include fees paid to platforms that provide licensed content. Electronic content can be accessed online from an electronic device. Types of electronic content include electronic materials (e-books, e-serials, e-audio, e-video), research databases, online learning platforms, reference tools, scores, maps, and pictures in electronic or digital format. 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).
355	Other Physical Materials Expenditures2 (OTHMATEX)	Report all operating expenditures for other materials, such as microform, audio and video physical units, DVD, circulating portable electronic devices, and materials in new formats.
356	Total Collection Expenditures (TOTEXPCO)	This is the sum of Print Materials Expenditures, Electronic Materials Expenditures, and Other Materials Expenditures (data elements #353, #354, and #355).
357	Other Operating Expenditures (OTHOPEXP)	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.
358	Total Operating Expenditures (TOTOPEXP)	This is the sum of Total Staff Expenditures, Total Collection Expenditures, and Other Operating Expenditures (data elements #352, #356, and #357).

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)	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.
401	State Government Capital Revenue (SCAP_REV)	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.
402	Federal Government Capital Revenue (FCAP_REV)	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.
403	Other Capital Revenue (OCAP_REV)	Report private (nongovernmental funds), including grants received by the library for the purpose of major capital expenditures.
404	Total Capital Revenue (CAP_REV)	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.

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 one-time 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 COLLECTION

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 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.

#	Data Element Name (Variable Name)	Data Element Definition
450	Print Materials (BKVOL)	Report a single figure that includes the following: 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.
452	Audio – physical units (AUDIO_PH)	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.
454	Video – physical units (VIDEO_PH)	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.
461	Total Physical Items in Collection (TOTPHYS)	All circulating physical items in the collection. These are materials in a fixed, physical format available for use outside the library. This includes Print Materials (data element 450), Audio – physical units (data element 452), Video – physical units (data element 454), and Other Circulating Physical Items (data element 462). Report the number of units, including duplicates. Items packaged together as a unit (such as a set of cookie cutters) and checked out as a unit are counted as one physical unit.
462	Other Circulating Physical Items (OTHPHYS)	Report a single figure that includes the following: all circulating physical items other than print books (data element 450), physical audio units (data element 452), physical video units (data element 454), and serials. These are materials in a fixed, physical format available for use outside the library. These can include a variety of items types, such as wi-fi hotspots, sewing machines, cake pans, tools, etc. Report the number of units, including duplicates. Items packaged together as a unit (such as a set of cookie cutters) and checked out as a unit are counted as one physical unit.

SERVICES

#	Data Element Name (Variable Name)	Data Element Definition
500	Public Service Hours (HRS_OPEN)	The sum of the reported value(s) for Public Service Hours Per Year (actual hours) (data element #713) for all outlets associated with the AE. This variable is automatically summed within the Web Portal. It is not included in the AE import file, nor is it an editable field in the Web Portal.
501	Library Visits (VISITS)	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).
501a	Library Visits Reporting Method (VISITRPT)	Regarding the number of Library Visits (data element #501) entered, is this an annual count or an annual estimate based on a typical week or weeks? Select one of the following: CT—Annual Count ES—Annual Estimate Based on Typical Week(s)
502	Reference Transactions3 (REFERENC)	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. Reference transactions do not include formal instruction or exchanges that provide assistance with locations, schedules, equipment, supplies, or policy statements. NOTES: A reference transaction includes information and referral service, scheduled and 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 be an element in determining whether a transaction is a reference transaction. Do not include transactions that include only a directional service, such as 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?” Annual Count vs. Annual Estimate 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. 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. Example: If there are four weeks sampled, multiply the totals for those four weeks by 13 to get an estimate for the full year. If the sample is done twice a year (one week at each time, two weeks total) multiply the count by 26 to get the estimated annual count.
502a	Reference Transactions Reporting Method (REFERRPT)	Regarding the number of Reference Transactions (data element #502) entered, is this an annual count or an annual estimate based on a typical week or weeks? Select one of the following: CT—Annual Count ES—Annual Estimate Based on Typical Week(s)
503	Number of Registered Users (REGBOR)	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.
504	Overdue Fine Policy (ODFINE)	Answer <Y>es or <N>o to the following question: As of the end of the reporting period, does the library charge overdue fines to any users when they fail to return physical print materials by the date due? NOTE: Overdue fines are monetary penalties that typically increase according to the number of days the materials are overdue. Overdue fines are not replacement costs for lost or damaged materials.
505	Automatic Renewal of Physical Materials4 (AUTORENEW)	Answer <Y>es or <N>o to the following question: “Did your library offer automatic renewal for any physical materials during the reporting period?” If unknown, report <M>issing. NOTE: Patrons do not have to take any action for automatic renewals. The Integrated Library System (ILS) rules determine how/when automatic renewals occur.
Electronic Books E-books are the digital equivalent of printed books that may be accessed online from an electronic device. E-books also include e-comics. Do not consider resources available for free in the public domain when answering the following questions.
525	E-Books via AE5 (EBOOK_AE)	Answer <Y>es or <N>o to the following question: “Did the administrative entity provide access to e-books purchased solely by the administrative entity?” If unknown, report <M>issing.
526	E-Books via Collective6 (EBOOK_CO)	Answer <Y>es or <N>o to the following question: “Did the administrative entity provide access to e-books purchased via a consortium, cooperative, or other similar group at the local, regional, or state level?” If unknown, report <M>issing.
527	E-Books via State7 (EBOOK_SL)	Answer <Y>es or <N>o to the following question: “Did the administrative entity provide access to e-books provided by the state library agency or another state agency at no or minimal cost to the administrative entity?” If unknown, report <M>issing.
Electronic Serials E-serials are periodic digital publications equivalent to printed newspapers, magazines, and similar media that are viewed as entire issues rather than as single articles returned from a research query. Do not consider resources available for free in the public domain when answering the following questions.
528	E-Serials via AE8 (ESERIAL_AE)	Answer <Y>es or <N>o to the following question: “Did the administrative entity provide access to e-serials purchased solely by the administrative entity?” If unknown, report <M>issing.
529	E-Serials via Collective9 (ESERIAL_CO)	Answer <Y>es or <N>o to the following question: “Did the administrative entity provide access to e-serials purchased via a consortium, cooperative, or other similar group at the local, regional, or state level?” If unknown, report <M>issing.
530	E-Serials via State10 (ESERIAL_SL)	Answer <Y>es or <N>o to the following question: “Did the administrative entity provide access to e-serials provided by the state library agency or another state agency at no or minimal cost to the administrative entity?” If unknown, report <M>issing.
Electronic Audio E-audio are digital files of sound only (e.g., audiobooks, music) that may be accessed online from an electronic device. Do not consider resources available for free in the public domain when answering the following questions.
531	E-Audio via AE11 (EAUDIO_AE)	Answer <Y>es or <N>o to the following question: “Did the administrative entity provide access to e-audio purchased solely by the administrative entity?” If unknown, report <M>issing.
532	E-Audio via Collective12 (EAUDIO_CO)	Answer <Y>es or <N>o to the following question: “Did the administrative entity provide access to e-audio purchased via a consortium, cooperative, or other similar group at the local, regional, or state level?” If unknown, report <M>issing.
533	E-Audio via State13 (EAUDIO_SL)	Answer <Y>es or <N>o to the following question: “Did the administrative entity provide access to e-audio provided by the state library agency or another state agency at no or minimal cost to the administrative entity?” If unknown, report <M>issing.
Electronic Video E-videos are digital files of moving visual images with or without sound (e.g., movies, television shows) that may be accessed online from an electronic device. Do not consider resources available for free in the public domain when answering the following questions.
534	E-Video via AE14 (EVIDEO_AE)	Answer <Y>es or <N>o to the following question: “Did the administrative entity provide access to e-videos purchased solely by the administrative entity?” If unknown, report <M>issing.
535	E-Video via Collective15 (EVIDEO_CO)	Answer <Y>es or <N>o to the following question: “Did the administrative entity provide access to e-videos purchased via a consortium, cooperative, or other similar group at the local, regional, or state level?” If unknown, report <M>issing.
536	E-Video via State16 (EVIDEO_SL)	Answer <Y>es or <N>o to the following question: “Did the administrative entity provide access to e-videos provided by the state library agency or another state agency at no or minimal cost to the administrative entity?” If unknown, report <M>issing.
Research Databases Research databases are organized collections of electronic data or records (e.g., facts, abstracts, articles, bibliographic data, texts, photographs) that can be searched to retrieve information. Do not consider resources available for free when answering the following questions.
537	Research Databases via AE17 (RESDB_AE)	Answer <Y>es or <N>o to the following question: “Did the administrative entity provide access to research databases purchased solely by the administrative entity?” If unknown, report <M>issing.
538	Research Databases via Collective18 (RESDB_CO)	Answer <Y>es or <N>o to the following question: “Did the administrative entity provide access to research databases purchased via a consortium, cooperative, or other similar group at the local, regional, or state level?” If unknown, report <M>issing.
539	Research Databases via State19 (RESDB_SL)	Answer <Y>es or <N>o to the following question: “Did the administrative entity provide access to research databases provided by the state library agency or another state agency at no or minimal cost to the administrative entity?” If unknown, report <M>issing.
Online Learning Platforms Online learning platforms primarily provide instruction, tools, and resources to enhance education, lifelong learning, and skill building. Platforms may offer homework assistance, language learning, test preparation, professional development, resume assistance, hobby instruction, etc. Do not consider resources available for free when answering the following questions.
540	Online Learning Platforms via AE20 (OLP_AE)	Answer <Y>es or <N>o to the following question: “Did the administrative entity provide access to online learning platforms purchased solely by the administrative entity?” If unknown, report <M>issing.
541	Online Learning Platforms via Collective21 (OLP_CO)	Answer <Y>es or <N>o to the following question: “Did the administrative entity provide access to online learning platforms purchased via a consortium, cooperative, or other similar group at the local, regional, or state level?” If unknown, report <M>issing.
542	Online Learning Platforms via State22 (OLP_SL)	Answer <Y>es or <N>o to the following question: “Did the administrative entity provide access to online learning platforms provided by the state library agency or another state agency at no or minimal cost to the administrative entity?” If unknown, report <M>issing.
Electronic Material Circulation Electronic (digital) materials can be accessed online from an electronic device. Types of electronic materials include e-books, e-serials, e-audio, and e-video. Only count items that require user authentication and have a limited period of use. Count all checkouts, including renewals.
545	E-book Circulation23 (EBOOK_CIR)	The total circulation of e-books during the reporting period. E-books are the digital equivalent of printed books that may be accessed online from an electronic device. E-books also include e-comics. If unknown, report <-1>.
546	E-serial Circulation24 (ESERIAL_CIR)	The total circulation of e-serials during the reporting period. E-serials are periodic digital publications equivalent to printed newspapers, magazines, and similar media that are viewed as entire issues rather than as single articles returned from a research query. If unknown, report <-1>.
547	E-audio Circulation25 (EAUDIO_CIR)	The total circulation of e-audio during the reporting period. E-audio are digital files of sound only (e.g., audiobooks, music) that may be accessed online from an electronic device. If unknown, report <-1>.
548	E-video Circulation26 (EVIDEO_CIR)	The total circulation of e-videos during the reporting period. E-videos are digital files of moving visual images (e.g., movies, television shows) with or without sound that may be accessed online from an electronic device. If unknown, report <-1>.
549	Circulation of Children’s Physical Material27 (KIDPHYSCIR)	The total annual circulation of all children’s materials in all physical formats to all users, including renewals. Include circulation of other physical items for children (e.g., kits, games, technology). If possible, do not include materials for teens/young adults. If unknown, report <-1>.
550	Total Circulation of Materials28 (TOTCIR)	This is the sum of Use of Electronic Material and Physical Item Circulation (data elements #552 and #553). This variable is automatically summed within the Web Portal. It is not included in the AE import file, nor is it an editable field in the Web Portal.
552	Use of Electronic Material29 (ELMATCIR)	This is the sum of E-book Circulation, E-serial Circulation, E-audio Circulation, and E-video Circulation (data elements #545, #546, #547, and #548). This variable is automatically summed within the Web Portal. It is not included in the AE import file, nor is it an editable field in the Web Portal.
553	Physical Item Circulation (PHYSCIR)	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.
561	Circulation of Other Physical Items (OTHPHCIR)	Circulation of all physical items other than print books (data element 450), physical audio units (data element 452), physical video units (data element 454), and serials, including renewals. These are materials in a fixed, physical format available for use outside the library. These can include a variety of items types, such as wi-fi hotspots, sewing machines, cake pans, tools, telescopes, board games, video games, etc.

INTER-LIBRARY LOANS

#	Data Element Name (Variable Name)	Data Element Definition
575	Provided To (LOANTO)	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.
576	Received From (LOANFM)	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.

LIBRARY PROGRAMS

Synchronous Program Sessions

A synchronous (live) program session is any planned event which introduces the group attending to library services or which provides information to participants.

Program sessions may cover use of the library, library services, or library tours. Program sessions may also provide cultural, recreational, or educational information. Examples of these types of program sessions include, but are not limited to, film showings, lectures, story hours, literacy programs, citizenship classes, and book discussions.

Include	Exclude
All program sessions that are sponsored or co-sponsored by the library. For a program session to be sponsored or co-sponsored by the library, the library must contribute financial resources or staff time toward the program session. For a program session that is part of a larger community event (such as a farmer’s market or festival), it is not necessary for the library to also sponsor or organize the larger event.	Program sessions sponsored by other groups that use library facilities. For example, do not include a homeschooling group hosting a speaker in a meeting room without facilitation from library staff.
Both on-site and off-site program sessions. For example, include a storytime at a farmer’s market or a presentation to a school group about library resources conducted at a school.	Offsite outreach efforts that do not otherwise meet the definition of a program session. For example, do not include having a library card signup booth at a farmer’s market.
Live-streamed virtual (synchronous) program sessions that are sponsored or co-sponsored by the library.	Recorded (asynchronous) presentations of program content; these should be counted in Total Number of Asynchronous Program Presentations (data element 620). Programming that is shared on the library’s website or social media that is not sponsored or co-sponsored by the library. For example, do not include sharing a video from an author’s website of him or her reading a book.
Program sessions with attendance of zero or one if they were intended for a group.	Activities 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.
	Passive or self-directed activities that do not occur at a scheduled time. For example, do not include leaving an art project or puzzle on a table for participants to complete.

#	Data Element Name (Variable Name)	Data Element Definition
600	Total Number of Synchronous Program Sessions (TOTPRO)	This is a total count of the number of synchronous (live) program sessions during the reporting period. See the Synchronous Program Sessions definition for more detail about what counts as a program session. If programs are offered as a series, count each program session in the series. For example, a film series offered once a week for eight weeks should be counted as eight program sessions. Include in-person onsite, in-person offsite, and virtual synchronous program sessions. Each program session should only be counted once, regardless of the number of formats in which it is presented. For example, a program session that has both in-person and virtual attendance options should be counted as a single program session. This is the sum of: Number of Synchronous Program Sessions Targeted at Children Ages 0-5 (data element 601), Number of Synchronous Program Sessions Targeted at Children Ages 6-11 (data element 602), Number of Synchronous Program Sessions Targeted at Young Adults Ages 12-18 (data element 603), Number of Synchronous Program Sessions Targeted at Adults Ages 19 or Older (data element 604), and Number of Synchronous General Interest Program Sessions (data element 605). Separately, it is also the sum of: Number of Synchronous In-Person Onsite Program Sessions (data element 606), Number of Synchronous In-Person Offsite Program Sessions (data element 607), and • Number of Synchronous Live-Virtual Program Sessions (data element 608).
601	Number of Synchronous Program Sessions Targeted at Children Ages 0-5 (K0_5PRO)	A program session targeted at children ages 0-5 is any planned event for which the primary audience is infants, toddlers, or preschool-age children. Examples of these types of program sessions include, but are not limited to, story hours, every child ready to read programs, musical or sing-along events, and puppet shows. Include program sessions aimed at children ages 0-5 even if adult caregivers also attend. Each program session should only be counted in one age category based on its primary target audience. This figure is a subset of the Total Number of Synchronous Program Sessions (data element 600). See Synchronous Program Session definition for more information about counting program sessions.
602	Number of Synchronous Program Sessions Targeted at Children Ages 6-11 (K6_11PRO)	A program session targeted at children ages 6-11 is any planned event for which the primary audience is elementary-school-age children. Examples of these types of program sessions include, but are not limited to, story hours, science events, crafting classes, and summer reading events. Include program sessions aimed at children ages 6-11 even if adult caregivers also attend with the children. Each program session should only be counted in one age category based on its primary target audience. This figure is a subset of the Total Number of Synchronous Program Sessions (data element 600). See Synchronous Program Session definition for more information about counting program sessions.
603	Number of Synchronous Program Sessions Targeted at Young Adults Ages 12-18 (YAPRO)	A young adult program session is any planned event for which the primary audience is young adults ages 12 to 18 years. Examples of these types of program sessions include, but are not limited to, book clubs, college prep programs, teen tech or gaming clubs, and summer reading events. Each program session should only be counted in one age category based on its primary target audience. This figure is a subset of the Total Number of Synchronous Program Sessions (data element 600). See Synchronous Program Session definition for more information about counting program sessions. Note: The Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) defines young adults as age 12 through 18.
604	Number of Synchronous Program Sessions Targeted at Adults Ages 19 or Older (ADULTPRO)	An adult program session is any planned event for which the primary audience is adults ages 19 or older. Examples of these types of program sessions include, but are not limited to, book discussions, citizenship classes, and lectures. Each program session should only be counted in one age category based on its primary target audience. This figure is a subset of the Total Number of Synchronous Program Sessions (data element 600). See Synchronous Program Session definition for more information about counting program sessions.
605	Number of Synchronous General Interest Program Sessions (GENPRO)	A general interest program session is any planned event that is appropriate for any age group or multiple age groups. Include all-age, all-library, family, and intergenerational program sessions. Examples of these types of program sessions include, but are not limited to, family game nights, holiday events, storytelling programs, or chess clubs. Include all programs here that do not fit into the other age category elements. Each program session should only be counted in one age category based on its primary target audience; do not include program sessions here that have already been counted in earlier age category elements. Avoid including program sessions that are targeted at more than one non-adult age category (and are not targeted at adults); these should be counted in the child or young adult age category that best represents the target audience. This figure is a subset of the Total Number of Synchronous Program Sessions (data element 600). See Synchronous Program Session definition for more information about counting program sessions.
606	Number of Synchronous In-Person Onsite Program Sessions (ONPRO)	An in-person onsite program session is any planned event that includes an in-person attendance option and takes place at library facilities. Examples include, but are not limited to, a job skills class in the library or a nature program on the library grounds. Regardless of the number of formats in which a program session is offered, each program session should only be counted once and in one format category. Include in-person program sessions that also have a virtual attendance option and count them as a single program session. This figure is a subset of the Total Number of Synchronous Program Sessions (data element 600). See Synchronous Program Session definition for more information about counting program sessions.
607	Number of Synchronous In-Person Offsite Program Sessions (OFFPRO)	An in-person offsite program session is any planned event that includes an in-person attendance option and takes place somewhere other than the library or the library grounds. Examples include, but are not limited to, facilitating a book club at a local nursing home, hosting a storytime at a local farmer’s market, or visiting a school to present about library services. Regardless of the number of formats in which a program session is offered, each program session should only be counted once and in one format category. Include in-person program sessions that also have a virtual attendance option and count them as a single program session. This figure is a subset of the Total Number of Program Sessions (data element 600). See Synchronous Program Session definition for more information about counting program sessions.
608	Number of Synchronous Virtual Program Sessions (VIRPRO)	A synchronous (live) virtual program session is any planned event that is streamed virtually and can be viewed live as it progresses (i.e., live-streaming). Regardless of the number of formats in which a program session is offered, each program session should only be counted once and in one format category. Include virtual program sessions that are also recorded. Include program sessions hosted on Facebook Premiere that are facilitated by a staff member. Count virtual program sessions at the administrative entity level; do not duplicate numbers at each branch. Exclude program sessions that also have an in-person component; these should be counted under Number Synchronous In-Person Onsite Program Sessions or Number of Synchronous In-Person Offsite Program Sessions (data elements 606 or 607). This figure is a subset of the Total Number of Synchronous Program Sessions (data element 600). See Synchronous Program Session definition for more information about counting program sessions.

Synchronous Program Attendance

#	Data Element Name (Variable Name)	Data Element Definition
610	Total Attendance at Synchronous Programs (TOTATTEN)	This is a total count of the audience at all program sessions during the reporting period. See the Synchronous Program Sessions definition for more detail about what counts as a program session. Include all attendees regardless of age (e.g., count all adult attendees of children’s programs in children’s program attendance). For program sessions with both in-person and virtual attendance, combine attendee counts across formats or platforms. This is the sum of: Attendance at Synchronous Programs Targeted at Children Ages 0-5 (data element 611), Attendance at Synchronous Programs Targeted at Children Ages 6-11 (data element 612), Attendance at Synchronous Programs Targeted at Young Adults Ages 12-18 (data element 613), Attendance at Synchronous Programs Targeted at Adults Age 19 or Older (data element 614), and Attendance at Synchronous General Interest Programs (data element 615). Separately, it is also the sum of: Synchronous In-Person Onsite Program Attendance (data element 616), Synchronous In-Person Offsite Program Attendance (data element 617), and Synchronous Virtual Program Attendance (data element 618).
611	Attendance at Synchronous Programs Targeted at Children Ages 0-5 (K0_5ATTEN)	The count of the audience at all program sessions for which the primary audience is children ages 0 to 5 years. Please count all attendees of these program sessions regardless of age. This figure is a subset of the Total Attendance at Synchronous Programs (data element 610). See Total Attendance at Synchronous Programs for more information about counting program session attendance.
612	Attendance at Synchronous Programs Targeted at Children Ages 6-11 (K6_11ATTEN)	The count of the audience at all program sessions for which the primary audience is children ages 6 to 11 years. Please count all attendees of these program sessions regardless of age. This figure is a subset of the Total Attendance at Synchronous Programs (data element 610). See Total Attendance at Synchronous Programs for more information about counting program session attendance.
613	Attendance at Synchronous Programs Targeted at Young Adults Ages 12-18 (YAATTEN)	The count of the audience at all program sessions for which the primary audience is young adults ages 12 to 18 years. Please count all attendees of these program sessions regardless of age. This figure is a subset of the Total Attendance at Synchronous Programs (data element 610). See Total Attendance at Synchronous Programs for more information about counting program session attendance.
614	Attendance at Synchronous Programs Targeted at Adults Ages 19 or Older (ADULTATTEN)	The count of the audience at all program sessions for which the primary audience is adults ages 19 or older. Please count all attendees of these program sessions regardless of age. This figure is a subset of the Total Attendance at Synchronous Programs (data element 610). See Total Attendance at Synchronous Programs for more information about counting program session attendance.
615	Attendance at Synchronous General Interest Programs (GENATTEN)	The count of the audience at program sessions that are appropriate for any age group or multiple age groups. Please count all attendees of these program sessions regardless of age. This figure is a subset of the Total Attendance at Synchronous Programs (data element 610). See Total Attendance at Synchronous Programs for more information about counting program session attendance.
616	Synchronous In-Person Onsite Program Attendance (ONATTEN)	The count of in-person attendance at program sessions that take place at library facilities. Regardless of the number of formats in which a program session is offered, each attendee should only be counted once. Each attendee should be counted in the format category in which they attended the program session. For in-person onsite programs that also have a virtual component, exclude virtual attendance; this should be counted under Synchronous Virtual Program Attendance (data element 618). This figure is a subset of the Total Attendance at Synchronous Programs (data element 610). See Total Attendance at Synchronous Programs for more information about counting program session attendance.
617	Synchronous In-Person Offsite Program Attendance (OFFATTEN)	The count of in-person attendance at program sessions that take place somewhere other than the library. Regardless of the number of formats in which a program session is offered, each attendee should only be counted once. Each attendee should be counted in the format category in which they attended the program session. For in-person offsite programs that also have a virtual component, exclude virtual attendance; this should be counted under Synchronous Virtual Program Attendance (data element 618). This figure is a subset of the Total Attendance at Synchronous Programs (data element 610). See Total Attendance at Synchronous Programs for more information about counting program session attendance.
618	Synchronous Virtual Program Attendance (VIRATTEN)	The count of live attendance at virtual program sessions. Regardless of the number of formats in which a program session is offered, each attendee or view should only be counted once. Each attendee should be counted in the format category in which they attended or viewed the program session. Count each participant device connected to a virtual program as a single attendee. For program sessions hosted on Facebook Live, YouTube Live, or similar platforms, count peak concurrent viewers. For those hosted on videoconferencing platforms, count the maximum number of non-staff participants during the session. For virtual program sessions that are also recorded for later, on-demand, asynchronous viewing, exclude views that occur after the session has ended; these should be counted under Total Views of Asynchronous Program Presentations (data element 630). For program sessions that also have an in-person component, exclude in-person attendance; this should be counted under Synchronous In-Person Onsite Program Attendance or Synchronous In-Person Offsite Program Attendance (data elements 616 or 617). This figure is a subset of the Total Attendance at Synchronous Programs (data element 610). See Total Attendance at Synchronous Programs for more information about counting program session attendance.

Asynchronous Program Sessions and Views

#	Data Element Name (Variable Name)	Data Element Definition
620	Total Number of Asynchronous Program Presentations30 (TOTPRES)	Asynchronous program presentations are recorded videos or audio of program content that are posted online for downloading or on-demand viewing (rather than livestreaming). Only include program presentations posted during the reporting period. Include live program sessions that are recorded and posted online. Count each unique video or audio recording only once regardless of the number of platforms on which it is posted. Do not duplicate numbers at each branch; count only at the administrative entity level.
630	Total Views of Asynchronous Program Presentations within 30 Days31 (TOTVIEWS)	Report the count of views or plays of asynchronous program presentations for a period of thirty (30) days after the presentation was posted, even if that period extends beyond the survey reporting period (or fiscal year). For program presentations made available via Facebook, count unique 1-minute views of each video. For other platforms, count unique views or plays of each video or audio recording.

OTHER ELECTRONIC INFORMATION

#	Data Element Name (Variable Name)	Data Element Definition
650	Number of Internet Computers Used by General Public (GPTERMS)	Report the number of the library’s Internet computers [personal computers (PCs), laptops, and tablets], whether purchased, leased, or donated, used by the general public in the library. Do not include computers that connect to the Internet for a dedicated purpose (e.g., to access an OPAC or specific database, or to train the public) or purposes.
651	Number of Uses (Sessions) of Public Internet Computers Per Year (PITUSR)	Report the total number of uses (sessions) of the library’s Internet computers in the library during the last year. If the computer is used for multiple purposes (Internet access, word-processing, OPAC, etc.) and Internet uses (sessions) cannot be isolated, report all usage. A typical 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.
651a	Reporting Method for Number of Uses of Public Internet Computers Per Year (PITUSRRPT)	Regarding the Number of Uses (Sessions) of Public Internet Computers per Year (data element 651) entered, is this an annual count or an annual estimate based on a typical week or weeks? Select one of the following: CT—Annual Count ES—Annual Estimate Based on Typical Week(s)
652	Wireless Sessions (WIFISESS)	Report the number of wireless sessions provided by the library wireless service annually. Count one session for each time a device connects to the library's wireless network, regardless of the duration of connection. If possible, only count sessions for patron devices and exclude library devices such as routers, access points, printers, and public access computers; otherwise, if patron devices cannot be isolated, report sessions for all devices. NOTE: If an annual count of wireless sessions is unavailable, count wireless sessions during a typical week or weeks using methods like hardware logging or network scanning, and multiply the count to represent an annual estimate. (Do not conduct visual surveys of devices in use as a method to establish a count of a typical week.) 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.
652a	Reporting Method for Wireless Sessions (WIFISRPT)	Regarding the number of Wireless Sessions (data element 652) entered, is this an annual count or an annual estimate based on a typical week or weeks of hardware logging or network scanning? Select one of the following: CT—Annual Count ES—Annual Estimate Based on Typical Week(s)

Outlet Data Element Definitions

#	Data Element Name (Variable Name)	Data Element Definition
700	FSCS ID and SEQ (Automatic Display) (FSCSKEY and FSCS_SEQ)	This is the identification code assigned by PLS Web Portal. Outlets are assigned the same FSCS ID as the administrative entity to which they belong, with a unique three-digit suffix added to distinguish each outlet.
700a	Structure Status (STATSTRU)	This is the Structure Change Code to record actions such as adding, deleting, or merging.
701	LIB ID (Optional) (LIBID)	This is the state-assigned identification code for the outlet.
702	Name (LIBNAME)	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.)
702a	Name Status (STATNAME)	This is the Name Change Code to identify whether the change is an official name change.
703	Street Address (ADDRESS)	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.
703a	Address Status (STATADDR)	This is the Address Change Code to identify whether the address change is an actual location change.
704	City (CITY)	This is the city or town in which the outlet is located.
705	ZIP Code (ZIP)	This is the standard five-digit postal ZIP code for the street address of the outlet.
707	County of the Outlet (CNTY)	This is the county in which the outlet is physically located.
708	Phone (PHONE)	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).
709	Outlet Type Code (C_OUT_TY)	An outlet is a unit of an administrative entity that provides direct public library service. Select one of the following: BM—Books-by-Mail Only. A direct mail order service which provides books and other library materials. Books-by-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-by-mail 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 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 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 they have different addresses. 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. Where there are several coequal outlets and no principal collection, report all such outlets as branches, not central libraries.
711	Square Footage of Outlet (SQ_FEET)	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 off-limits to the public. Include any areas shared with another agency or agencies if the outlet has use of that area.
712	Number of Bookmobiles in the Bookmobile Outlet Record (L_NUM_BM)	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 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.
713	Public Service Hours Per Year (actual hours) (HOURS)	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 Books-by-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.
714	Number of Weeks an Outlet is Open (actual weeks) (WKS_OPEN)	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.

1 Name and definition revision in FY 2024.

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28 Reporting method change for FY 2024.

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30 Definition revision in FY 2024.

31 Definition revision in FY 2024.