Kansas Ranks 3rd with 16 Star Libraries

Press Release from the State Library of Kansas:

Kansas Ranks 3rd with 16 Star Libraries

Topeka: Much like the Michelin star rating for restaurants,
Library Journal recently bestowed five, four, and three star ratings on
Kansas libraries based on real usage outcomes like circulation, visits,
programming and internet terminal usage. A total of 16 Kansas libraries
were rated, allowing Kansas to claim the third highest spot in the
country. Only New York (1), and Ohio (2) had more libraries receiving
stars, and Kansas tied with the state of California.

The libraries were ranked using 2006* survey data collected by
the State Library of Kansas for the National Center for Education
Statistics, and processed through a new assessment tool for public
libraries called the “LJ Index.” The four categories used in the
analysis included:
● the number of times an average individual visited the library
● the average number of items checked out by an individual
● the program attendance per person, and
● the number of times an average individual used a library
computer terminal.

“It’s not surprising that this announcement parallels the
big picture that we’re already seeing in Kansas,” explained Peter
Haxton, State Data Center Coordinator. “Kansas has quality libraries,
and because of that, Kansans use their libraries significantly.”
Kansas has 327 public libraries, approximately one library for every
8,500 people. A library which excels in the LJ Index ratings is very
likely to be headed in the direction of high service quality and overall
exceptional library performance.

Five star ratings went to: Ida Long Goodman Memorial Library,
St. John; Elkhart/Morton County Library, Elkhart; Hays Public Library,
Hays; and Meade Public Library, Meade.

Four star ratings went to: Cimarron City Library, Cimarron;
Neodesha/W.A. Rankin Memorial Library, Neodesha; Seneca Free Library,
Seneca; Fredonia Public Library, Fredonia; Coffey County Library,
Burlington; and Johnson County Library, Overland Park.

Three star ratings went to: Belleville Public Library,
Belleville; Plains Community Library, Plains; Ellinwood School Community
Library, Ellinwood; Buhler Public Library, Buhler; Mound City/Linn
County Dist. #4 Library, Mound City; and Marion City Library, Marion.

*2006 is the most current annual compilation of library data.

The State Library of Kansas is located in the State
Capitol building in Topeka. The library’s primary mission is to serve
the residents of Kansas through direct service and through support of
local libraries. Even before statehood, the State Library served as a
depository of legal and historical documents and as a ready resource to
the executive and legislative branches of Kansas government. Today,
through the latest technology and access to on-line informational
databases, the State Library of Kansas offers more information than ever
to the residents of Kansas. Visit our website: www.kslib.info.