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Independence Public Library Report Card
Fiscal Year 03-04

Seventy-five performance measures defined by the State Library of Iowa are used to evaluate library staffing, collections, services, community relations, and access/facilities.  These measures are used to determine whether a library will be state accredited and the library’s level of state funding.  Libraries are encouraged to share these reports with the public.  In order for the public to know where our library stands in comparison to state standards, the library board and staff are presenting the information in the report card format found below.    

In each of the standards where A, B, and C are listed, level C is the minimum required to meet the measure.  To meet each of the A, B, or C levels, the library must not be less than the amount stated.

Our
Grade

State Standard

IPL

A

Collection
The library allocates funds for purchasing materials in all appropriate formats based on its collection development policy, the library’s plan and current use. 
A - 14%, B - 12%, C - 10%

15.2% of funding allocated to materials

B

Collection
The library maintains a current, thoroughly weeded collection of audio, video and /or other non-print materials appropriate to the library’s mission. 
A - 8399, B - 1963, C - 1165

2263 audios, videos, and non-print materials

F

Access and Facilities
The library building must meet the state definition of accessibility—”A continuous unobstructed path connecting all elements and spaces in a building or facility that can be negotiated by a severely disabled person using a wheelchair and that is also safe for and usable by people with other disabilities.”

Upstairs stacks closed to public, materials on main level not easily accessible to all

F

Access and Facilities
The library provides adequate public seating.
42-60 seats for a town of 6000.

18 seats

 

B

Access and Facilities
Minimum days and hours of service. 
A - 7 days/55 hours
B - 6 days/46 hours
C - 5 days/41 hours

6 days/52 hours

 

 

B

Programming
The library provides programs free of charge for children, young adults, and adults or cooperates with other libraries or agencies to provide the programs.

118 Programs, 2780 Total Attendance in 03-04

 

 

B

Staffing
The library employs paid staff for a minimum of  20 hours per week. 
A - 5.72 FTE or 229 hours
B - 2.75 FTE or 110 hours
C - 2.5 FTE or 100 hours

4.78 FTE or 191 hours

 

 

F

Funding
The library is funded by its city on a permanent and equitable basis.
A—$30.00 per capita from city
B—$28.00 per capita from city
C—$22.00 per capita from city

$18.84 per capita in fiscal year 03-04

 

 

C

Funding
The library receives permanent and equitable funding for services to rural residents from the county. 
A -$17.04 per capita from county
B -$9.41 per capita from county
C -$6.46 per capita from county

$6.96 per capita in fiscal year 03-04

 

 

A

Publicity
The library promotes its collections and services
by using at least four approaches to publicity.

8 approaches—website, newspaper, annual report, presentations, posters, bookmarks, community involvement, radio

 

These report cards, with additional statistics and information, will also be available at several locations in Independence, including Casey’s SE, Connie’s Hallmark, Fareway, the Independence Public Library, Java & More, Laree’s, and the R & R Café.  Copies of the standards from which the report card is based are also available at the library; ask for In Service to Iowa: Public Library Measures of Quality, 4th edition.


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