Instructions for the 2004 Study
The Public Libraries and Networked Information Services 2004 Survey is located at: http://staging.pnmi.com/LibrarySurvey/
Before you Start
To participate in the 2004 study, a public library will need to enter its survey ID (found on the individualized survey alert letter that was mailed to each public library) to begin the survey process. If you cannot remember and/or locate your survey ID, the survey website provides a link to locate your library by zip code.
The survey contains questions about specific library system branches as well as system wide questions. If your library system does not have branches, you essentially will be completing a single questionnaire from start to finish. If your library system does have branches, you may be asked to complete questions regarding some of your branches prior answering questions about your entire system. Your library and the branches selected to participate (if applicable), were selected randomly based on the poverty level your library's community (determined using 2000 Census data); whether your library is serves an urban, suburban, or rural community; and the state in which your library resides. If you wish to complete the survey for the additional branches in your system (again, if applicable) you will be given the opportunity to do so – and we would be most appreciative!
Survey Format
The survey has a total of 24 short questions. Please answer each question as thoroughly and accurately as possible. The survey contains three different types of questions:
- Some require selecting one answer from an established list of choices;
- Some require selecting as many answers as appropriate from an established list of choices; and
- Some require supplying a specific number (i.e., number of public access Internet workstations in the library).
The survey is not timed. You may complete part of it, save your answers, and return to it at a later time. You may also answer part of the survey and have other members of your library staff answer other parts, if appropriate. Please be sure to finish filling out the survey by December 10th. Once completed, you will be able to print the answers you provided and keep a copy for your own records.
Consent
Participation in this study is voluntary. If you choose not to participate or to withdraw from the study at any time, there will be no penalty. The results of the research may be published, but neither your name nor the name of your library will be used.
Participation in this study will provide important data for years to come. THANK YOU for your willingness to participate!