2008 PLDS report highlights key financial statistics

Contact: Kathleen Hughes


PLA, Manager of Publications


312-280-4028

khughes@ala.org

NEWS


For Immediate Release


September 9, 2008

CHICAGO – The Public Library Association’s (PLA) 2008 Public Library Data Service (PLDS) Statistical Report is now available.

The report presents timely and topical data to public library administrators, helping them make informed management decisions.

Published annually, the PLDS Statistical Report is compiled from voluntary surveys sent to public libraries. In 2008, 872 public libraries responded to the PLDS survey.

For the fourth time since 1998, the PLDS Statistical Report includes a special section on public library financial practices. The report includes details on how many libraries charge for services; sources of funding, including detail for e-Rate discounts, state aid and federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funding administered by the state library; and alternative sources of income, including funding from foundations, overdue fines, rentals, interest and more.

In addition to the PLDS Statistical Report, a full dataset from the 2008 PLDS survey is available though an online subscription, which allows users to create customized reports and datasets. To order a copy of the PLDS Statistical Report, or a subscription to the online database, please obtain an order form at
www.pla.org, under “Publications and Reports.” Order forms must be faxed to the PLA office at (312) 280-5029.

Subscribers to the PLDS Statistical Report standing order plan do not need to reorder. Please contact the ALA Store (1-866-746-7252) with questions regarding standing orders. Past editions of the PLDS Statistical Report may be ordered by calling the ALA Store (1-866-746-7252). For more information on PLA Publications, contact the PLA office at 800-545-2433, ext. 5PLA, or visit PLA’s Web site at
www.pla.org.


PLA is a division of the American Library Association.