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Academic Libraries Survey
ACADEMIC LIBRARIES SURVEY
PURPOSE
The National Center for Education Statistics collects these data biennially to obtain and report a comprehensive picture on the status of collections, transactions, staff, service per typical week, and library operating expenditures in post-secondary institutions. The survey is being conducted in compliance with the Center's mission "to collect, analyze, and disseminate statistics and other data related to education in the United States …" (P.L., National Education Statistics Act of 1994, Sec. 404(a))
COVERAGE
Academic Libraries data are collected for over 3,500 two-year and four-year degree-granting post-secondary institutions in the 50 states and the District of Columbia, including institutions that are eligible for Title IV aid, and branch campuses of Title IV eligible institutions.
CONTENT
Academic Libraries report data including total operating expenditures, full-time equivalent library staff, service outlets, total volumes held at the end of the fiscal year, circulation, interlibrary loans, public service hours, gate count, reference transactions per typical week, and electronic services.
FREQUENCY
Biennially since 1990 and since 1966 at irregular intervals. Data collection begins in October and ends after 4 months, in February.
METHODS
A urvey of libraries of post-secondary institutions. The libraries are stratified
by state, county, and educational institution. Data are reported for the academic
year.
PRODUCTS
The NCES provides he annual E.D. tabulations and survey universe file that users can download from the Internet. For additional information, visit the Library Statistics Program Web Page.
SPECIAL FEATURES
Provides the core of statistics needed for current and historical analysis of academic libraries and their programs.
USES
Collection of these data over time will enable the nation to plan effectively for the development and use of post-secondary education library resources. Congress uses the data to assess the need for revisions of existing legislation concerning libraries and the allocation of Federal funds. Federal agencies need the data to evaluate and administer library programs. State education agencies and college librarians and administrators use the data for regional and national comparisons of library resources to plan for the effective use of funds. Finally, library associations and researchers use the survey results to determine the status of library operations and the profession.
RELATED PROGRAMS
National Public Education
Financial Survey
Non-Fiscal Surveys
of the Common Core of Data (CCD)
Local Government School
System Finance Survey (formerly Education Finance Survey)
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You are here: Economic Programs Overview
Governments
Academic Libraries SurveyLast revised: Thursday, 27-Jul-2006 10:39:18 EDT
