State Data Coordinator

1. State Data Coordinator Diana Very, MPA, MLIS Director of LSTA, Statistics, and Research Georgia Public Library Service December 11, 2012

2. SDC Job Description Or What have I gotten myself into?

3. Ultimate goal • Submit data to IMLS by the established deadline, including a letter of explanation of edit checks, if appropriate; • Ensure that Chief Officer has signed letter of submittal to the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS); • Supervise downloading of data into the PLS application;

4. Where do you start? • Revise data collection tool, introducing new or revised data elements, as necessary; • Educate and train staff of local libraries in methods of submitting data; • Collect data from all public libraries in state;

5. Plan to Start • Begin by learning the definitions of the data elements. • Read and re-read your User’s Guide • Study the last few surveys and find out if they include the newest data elements, what other data elements do you require, and if the State Librarian is in agreement with the survey. • Find out if your state uses a vendor to collect the data and what are the expectations of timelines and data to start the process of collection. • Contact the local public library staff who will be completing the survey. Ask about their needs. Find experienced staff who may be able to answer some of your questions. • Contact your SDC mentor for any questions you have. Mine helped me so much during my first year.

6. Keep a contact list close • SDC Mentor • Find neighboring state data coordinators • Other state data coordinators • IMLS Research Division • Public Library Survey staff at Census

7. Thanks for your attention!Call or e-mail anytimeDiana Very404-235-7156dvery@georgialibraries.org