Library Statistics Speak Volumes
Hillsdale Library Director, David Franz, recently presented the 2005 Annual report to the Board of Trustees. The report revealed several interesting statistics of which the library can be proud.
Cost per circulation is an indicator of efficiency.
Based on 2004 data from the State of New Jersey, among the 51 other public libraries serving populations between 10,000 and 15,000 residents, Hillsdale Library had the lowest cost per item circulated in its class, at $3.11. The average cost per circulation for the group was $9.84. Hillsdale also had the 2nd highest circulation per capita at 16.4 items circulated per resident. The average circulation per capita was 6.3 items.
When compared to 46 libraries with similar budgets, Hillsdale Library also ranked well. The cost per circulation ranked as the 2nd lowest and the circulation per capita was the 6th highest.
In 2005, the library circulated 165,088 items. The library’s circulation is double the state average for libraries serving a similar population size and operating in a similar budget range. The library’s overall operating budget and the percentage allocated to salaries, wages, benefits, and materials mirrors the state and local averages. In summary, the library is operating at a very high level of efficiency and productivity.
The library remained under renovation for most of 2005 and had some impact on services. Despite these obstacles, circulation remained robust and increased 2.2% over 2004.
Meanwhile, the library added several new services during the year:
□ Color printers were added to the computer network
□ Wireless Internet access (Wi-Fi) is now available
□ Three staff members became commissioned notaries
□ The public meeting room was utilized by many community groups
□ A teen manga and anime club was launched
□ Free introductory computer classes were provided
□ A self-service coffee, tea, and hot chocolate station was made available
□ Bookdrops were opened to 24 hour service
□ Loan period for audiobooks was extended from 2 weeks to 4 weeks
□ Residents may now apply for a library card online
The full-text of the annual report can be found on the library’s trustee webpage:
2005 Annual Report