As we all “spring forward,” it’s time for Texas public library directors to get all of the library statistics collected over the last local fiscal year and enter them into Texas LibPAS. This report is due no later than Thursday, April 30, 2020, a due date which cannot be extended. We recommend that libraries complete the report before the end of this month, to allow staff enough time to review the reports from over 550 Texas public libraries!
Log-in information was emailed to public library directors in early January. If there has been a change in leadership at your library, or if the information is no longer available, contact us at your earliest convenience (information below).
Answers to Frequent Questions
The new question, 7.9: Successful Retrieval of Electronic Information. This question intends to capture use of databases (also called electronic collections) that cannot be included in the item and circulation count easily. If the library has databases either on its own or through a consortium, report the usage statistics from the vendor. Report only sessions or full text items that your patrons have viewed. Report “0” (zero) in 7.9 if your library has ONLY TexShare databases. A database that is freely available in the public domain should not be included.
Edit check on question 3.11: Total Operating Expenditures, which states,
“The ratio of TOTAL OPERATING EXPENDITURES to TOTAL STAFF EXPENDITURES is higher/lower than expected. Please check for possible errors or explain why the correct data are out of range.”
This is an edit check we have carried from our federal report that pops up when staff expenditures exceed half to two-thirds of the total operating expenditures. There is no judgement here: it is a mathematical check. To resolve it, please add a note explaining that staff and total operating expenditures have been checked and verified.
Printing the report: clicking on the word “Print” at the top of the page will pop up a dialogue box with the following choices:
- Template – this is the entire workbook, with question definitions and responses.
- Screen – this is just the questions and responses, much as what is seen on the screen.
- Cancel – if you don’t want to print, click on this.
If you print the report before it is locked, you will see a watermark of the word “Draft” on every page. That no longer appears once the report is locked, even though you can still print the report.
Much more information is found on the Annual Report webpage: https://www.tsl.texas.gov/ldn/annualreport, including
- Annual Report FAQ,
- Maintenance of Effort (MOE) explanation,
- Programs and Attendance,
- Reporting Downloadable Materials,
- Wi-Fi Usage.
Don’t forget to submit the signed Application for Accreditation, once your report is locked.
Email (accreditation@tsl.texas.gov) or call (800-252-9386 or 512-463-5466) if additional clarification is needed.
Your participation helps give a voice to libraries nationwide. Thank you for all your time and effort!
