WebJunction - Library Statistics, CT

In just a few easy steps you can make statistical charts that are customized for your library. They can be used to help illustrate your library's performance and help make the case for more funding. These Excel spreadsheets require no real knowledge of Excel. Follow the directions and then copy and paste your charts into any document or presentation you wish. The statistical measures used are those reported in the Annual Report of Public Libraries and can be found in the Statistical Profile of CT Public Libraries.

1. Compare Your Library Chart-Makers:

2. Advocate For Your Library

Use this Chart-Maker to illustrate how little of the town budget goes to the library, how many residents have library cards, and what would the town do if it didn't have a library.

Advocate Chart-Maker (Excel)

3. Library Evaluation Tool

This evaluation tool and Chart-Maker will help libraries create charts that will show whether use (circulation and library visits) of your library is out-pacing the funding that you are receiving. This information will be helpful in advocating for increased funding for the library.

Evaluation Tool Chart-Maker (Excel)

Please note that these evaluation charts are only helpful if your library has seen steady recent increases in library use. Also note that your library's charts are only as accurate as the statistics you feed into them. If you wish to use other measures besides Visits and Circulation contact Tom Newman for a customized version of this chart-maker.

4. Trends Charts for Your Library, 1996-2009

Individual Library - Trends from Years 1996-2009 (Excel)

BE WARNED that these charts are only as accurate as the data provided by the libraries themselves in the Annual Reports!

For more information on these chart-makers and for technical advice, please contact Tom Newman at 860-757-6573, or tnewman@cslib.org.