Welcome to the Maryland State Library Data & Evaluation Guide. Here you will find resources to help you use quantitative and qualitative data to tell your library's story, demonstrate program and initiative impact, and make data-driven decisions.
Use the menu on the left to navigate through Tools and Resources available, as well as to download national and Maryland public library statistics and infographics.
In FY2017 IMLS made available an infographic and workbook presenting analyses of rural public library services and indicators. Files can be downloaded below or on the IMLS website.
A recent project, led by Southern Tier Library System, and funded by IMLS, also highlights the impact of rural libraries in the United States. The Rural Library Service & Social Wellbeing Project used a mixed-methods approach to demonstrate the impact that rural libraries have on communities. In addition to presenting case studies, the project is also developing qualitative tools for measuring outcomes and impact.
Watch a webinar discussing the project below, or find further information and resources through the Research Institute for Public Libraries blog.
